And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. Luke 22:43

In the fire, personal strength can fail completely. It doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s frightening. I’ve coped with things long-term and thought I was doing well but one small disappointment sent me over the edge. Vitality was far from me. Those who might have had the capacity to understand were either not around or were taken up with other things.

Jesus knows those moments. In the darkest hour of His life, His disciples succumbed to weariness and fell asleep after He told them He needed them. He found Himself alone, all night long, even though love was not too far away. Scripture doesn’t say if Jesus specifically asked for His Father to send angels to tend to Him. But regardless, God took care of His Son. He saw His condition. He heard His cries. God was proactive to provide just what Jesus needed to regain strength.

God was invested in the life of His Son. He is also invested in His other children. That same care is promised to each of us. Though people love us deeply, they have limits. They are taken up with things that need their attention. They have their own griefs and challenges.  No matter who it is, their ability to love and give us what we need is intermittent. Oh, but God’s love never fails. He’s never distracted and short on attention. He’s never depleted and short on power. Every moment of the day, He bends low to watch our lives and discern our needs.

Who is it that is unavailable to you today? Know that God is near and full of promises. Who is it that has already failed you? God stands in the gap to more than compensate. In your Garden of Gethsemane, despair is never the last word.

May this never be in my vocabulary. “There is no one to help me.” Amen