Be Thoroughly Rested

"Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. "Couldn't you men keep watch with Me for one hour?" He asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak""- (Matthew 26:40-41).

Our bodies were designed to rest; just try depriving your body of sleep and see what happens. Research shows an adult should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep to be both physically and mentally prepared for the day. Here are just a few signs of sleep deprivation: your memory's shot, you have trouble making decisions, your motor skills are off, you're emotions are all over the place, you get sick often, and you may even fall asleep at a critical time. Imagine falling asleep when the Lord has asked you to keep watch, such as the fateful night of His arrest. The parable of the ten virgins is another example of falling asleep at a critical time. They were waiting for the Bridegroom to come, but weren't prepared with enough oil. "The Bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep" (Matthew 25:5). Our spirit is willing when God calls us to be watchful, but our flesh will betray us if we have neglected its need for rest. Be thoroughly rested then for whatever experience the Lord is bringing your way; as He taught, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).