“Why are you sleeping?” Luke 22:46
This isn’t a random list. Each of these seasons is drawn directly from the disciples’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.
1. When you’re tired. It was late at night (John 18:3), and these men were tired. They had spent the week with Jesus in the temple answering questions and settling disputes. The whole business of ministry had been exhausting. When we are tired, we don’t see clearly. We are less careful with what we say. We are less patient and more irritable. Our fuse is shorter. When we are tired, we are more vulnerable to temptation. Are you tired? Watch and pray!
2. When you’re discouraged. The Last Supper must have been traumatic for the disciples. First, Jesus said one of the disciples would betray Him (John 13:21). Then Jesus announced He would soon be leaving them (13:33). And finally, Jesus told Peter he would deny Him before morning (13:38). When things don’t go as you’d hoped, when you are discouraged, you will become more vulnerable to temptation. Watch and pray!
3. When a friend has failed. Judas had just walked out of the Last Supper (John 13:30). Never underestimate how the choices of your friends will affect your own life. Has your friend left the faith, lied to his parents, or tried drugs? Something within you says, “If he can do that, why can’t I?” When your friend falls, be very careful: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NIV). Has someone you know and love fallen into some sin? Watch and pray!
Which of these three are true of you right now? How vulnerable are you?
