Rise to the occasion

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

 Matthew 27:6(NKJV)

     Rise to the occasion means to do what is necessary to successfully deal with a difficult situation. This is an old saying referencing anyone with responsibilities must do what needs to be done for an event to be successful.

     I tend to operate better under pressure. I’m way more efficient and my productivity increases when I have a deadline to meet. I try to my best because I don’t want to disappoint anyone who’s depending on me.  When I have a lot of time on my hands, I will procrastinate before I start.     

     Because Christ is all knowing, He knew the brutality He was about to face on that fateful day. He prayed to the Father in the garden, and asked if there was another way. Luke 22:44 says, “… being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” I didn’t realize this is an actual condition which can occur when we’re under extreme pressure causing our perspiration and blood to mix. This reminds us of the physicality of our Savior and what He endured for our salvation.  

     When the time had come, Jesus willingly allowed Himself to be bound and taken away. He had no choice but to rise to the occasion to complete what God ordained.    

     As believers, we now have the privilege of experiencing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. By God’s grace, we’ve been given the desire to willingly embark into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through His love, we surrender ourselves daily to fulfill God’s purpose so we may continually bring Him glory.