AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS

Against all odds, He went to the cross
Against the cries of flesh and friends
Against human sense, He died for us
To dwell in glory with Him when life ends

Dusk was closing in as Jesus huddled with His disciples in the Upper Room. The encroaching darkness was like a foreboding of what lay ahead and it weighed heavily on the Master. The enormity of it descended mercilessly on Him as they later sat in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death,” He confessed to His disciples. “Tarry ye here, and watch with me,” He requested (Matthew 26:38).

Moving a little distance away, He “fell on His face, and prayed” (v. 39). That is a man in utter anguish. That is a prayer of life and death. Jesus knew His mission on earth wasn’t going to be a walk in the park but when He envisaged how it would end, when the horror of it all stared Him in the face, His human nature shrank from it.

[bctt tweet=”Jesus knew His mission on earth wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.” username=”edithohaja1″]

He made the same plea three times, asking God if there could be an alternative and as one Gospel account shows, He laboured so intensely in prayer, that His “sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:24).

[bctt tweet=”Jesus prayed intensely when he pondered over the horrifying death ahead of him.” username=”edithohaja1″]

“O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” He cried (Matthew 26:39).

But He didn’t stop there. He knew that as horrifying as His impending death would be, it was part of God’s salvation plan, the gateway to the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and death. He did not allow His alarm to blind Him to the fact that it was God’s will and so He added, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

God responded by sending an angel to strengthen Him for the ordeal ahead (Luke 22:43).

Earlier, when they were in Caesarea Philippi, and He explained to His disciples what was about to happen to Him, Peter objected strongly.

“Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22).

Peter had just declared by divine inspiration that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” in response to the Master’s question, “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus commended Him highly for this (Matthew 16:13-19). Yet, in the next breath, speaking as a man, he uttered words that discouraged Jesus from accomplishing His mission. Jesus’ response, harsh to the human ear but spiritually fitting was, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Matthew 16:23 – ESV).

In the end, against all odds, Jesus bore the humiliation and the agony of crucifixion as it was written about Him trusting God for a triumph over death on resurrection morning. And glory to God, as prophesied, early on the first day of the next week, He arose! (Matthew 28).

His life is an example to us. Much of what God would have us do for His glory, for our own good and for the blessing of others might not be palatable to our flesh. Family and friends may protest, wearing us out with contrary counsel, which though well-intentioned, will set us far from God’s purpose for our lives. Some of these counsellors may have given us insight from the Father’s heart in the past. But if we are determined to obey God, He will alert us when they are speaking as mere men.

[bctt tweet=”May we overcome our flesh and contrary counsel in our bid to do God’s will.” username=”edithohaja1″]

In his distress, Jesus went to God in prayer. We can’t go wrong when we take our challenges to God for He is still “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 – NIV).

Ultimately, may our testimony be like that of our Master Jesus, that against all odds, we obeyed God. We bore the shame and the pain and we inherited God’s glory as the Scripture has promised.

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).

[bctt tweet=”May we, like Jesus, obey God and fulfil His purpose for our lives against all odds.” username=”edithohaja1″]

Let it be so in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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94 comments

  • Amadi Chibuzor .J

    Amen

  • Osita Aniemeka

    Honored I knew this was coming. Yes! “In the end, against all odds, Jesus bore the humiliation and the agony of crucifixion as it was written about Him trusting God for a triumph over death on resurrection morning. And glory to God, as prophesied, early on the first day of the next week, He arose! (Matthew 28).” What a gift! …what a privilege! …what a load of thankfulness we owe. Forth in Your Name, O! Lord we go!

  • “Much of what God would have us do for His glory, for our own good and for the blessing of others might not be palatable to our flesh.” Thank you for this challenge to live obediently like Christ!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Delighted you came by, Charlie! Yes, may God help us to obey Him in spite of the difficulties involved in Jesus’ name. Amen. Have a great Easter, you and your family in Jesus’ name.

    • I wonder if Jesus did not do the things he did, where would i be ?
      I now know that christ in me is the hope of glory and through is resurrection.

  • wmunsell11

    “In his distress, Jesus went to God in prayer. We can’t go wrong when we take our challenges to God for He is still “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 – NIV).” Amen! It is my hope and prayer that when I am troubled that I will run to Jesus more and more quickly. Thank-you for this timely reminder to obey our Heavenly Father no matter what the cost.

  • OZURUMBA IHEANYICHUKWU GODWIN

    THANK YOU MA, FOR THE WRITE-UP. HE KNEW HIS MISSION HERE ON EARTH , BUT IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT MANY OF US DON’T KNOW ABOUT OUR EXISTENCE HERE ON EARTH. THE CROSS ON MY MIND.

    • Edith Ohaja

      May God grant us clarity of vision and focus in Jesus’ name. May you be fabulously blessed in this season in Jesus’ name.

  • What a Savior we have in Christ! Thank you for the reminder of seeking His will over the cries of our flesh.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Thanks a lot, Christina. His grace is always sufficient for us. Happy Easter to you and yours in Jesus’ name.

  • Ugezu Chisolum

    God please, give me a humble and patient spirit just as you have, may i never be shaken by the things of the world rather may i live by your word and by your law. May your spirit dominate every phase of may my daily life potray your holiness, mercy, grace and himility…Amen.

  • What words! What a Father we have in heaven to make such a sacrifice. We may never understand the depth of his love. Thanks for weaving this truth so poignantly.

    • Edith Ohaja

      And thank you for being a lovely friend, one that reminds me of the Saviour by your kindness and graciousness. Glory to God Most High for His amazing grace. Amen.

  • Daniel Nyoung

    Good write up. Only God can do these things; a father with an endless love for his children. Keep teaching and reminding us ma, we love you.
    +Nyoung.

  • Hi Edith,
    You’re a very engaging writer. This read more like a book than a blog post.

    The plea Jesus made three times is one of the most fascinating aspects to me. He clearly didn’t think there was any chance He wouldn’t go to the cross. So why the same plea repeated like that? Would seem so it could be recorded for us so we’d know there was no other way.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Hi Scott! Thank you very much. All glory to God! Yes, I would think so too. It happens to us sometimes when we know God what wants us to do, we pray for our own idea still. In our own case, we are clearly seeking a way out of something we don’t fully understand or consider unpleasant. Thank you so much for dropping by and a very happy Easter to you and your family.

  • Kathleen Louise Burnett

    Yes, I agree with your conclusion, that may our “testimony be like that of our Master Jesus, that against all odds, we obeyed God. We bore the shame and the pain and we inherited God’s glory as the Scripture has promised.” That is what I want my life to be. But, honestly, too often I am sleeping instead of watching. Just like Peter and John were while Jesus was praying that agonizing prayer. Yet, how much our Savior loved Peter and John– even in their imperfection. And, how much He loves us! Have a great day, Edith!

  • Beautiful. We are to endure much for our Lord for his glory. We are his bondservants. All glory to Jesus

  • Okoye chidi

    His luv for us knws no bound he die for us to hve life everlasting

  • Ijeoma

    He didn’t have to but he did. Thank you Jesus always.

  • Osmond Anyaka

    Against all odds, He went to the cross
    Against the cries of flesh and friends
    Against human sense, He died for us
    To dwell in glory with Him when life ends.
    The love of God is greater than any other love on earth and he died on the cross to set us free.. May his resurrection bring grace and peace to our lives. Amen

  • Henrietta Okoye

    Jesus Christ played his own part by dying on the cross of calvary for us. It is left for us to acknowledge that fact and make sure His death was not in vain… You just reminded me how much God loves me… Thank you ma

  • UMEREMADU CHETACHUKWU ESTHER

    “Against all odds” He went as far as on the cross for me, just to see me sound and saved. Dear heavenly Father, give me the grace to go “against all odds” in representing you well in this world. Help me Lord to fulfill your mandate, enable me to follow this good example of yours. I need to be self-less just for you. Help me Lord, Amen. Woman Evangelist ma, I respect you. How you go about using write-ups in piercing the hearts of men just for Jesus is so fabulous. Well done ma!

    • Edith Ohaja

      It’s the Lord’s doing, my dear! His Spirit in action! All glory to His name! I say a big “Amen” to your prayer, Chet!

  • Chukwuma Nkemjika

    His banner over us is love…i pray that He will hp us to understand and appreciate wot it means to be humble. Wonderful write up MA.

  • Amoke chinasa

    His love for us is immeasurable.thank u ma for d wonderful write up

  • For my sins, Christ died. He paid the ultimate price, I am now victorious in Christ. I have power over self, Satan and sin.Christ came to show us what love really means. i encourage every one to embrace Christ so that they would be partakers of his divine love.

  • Irumekhai Mariam

    This is so inspiring. As Christians we must live by the will of God against all odds. Though, it’s not easy as mortals, we must overcome our flesh and stick to what God requires of us.

  • onukwue nkemakonam walter

    what we need to live up to that is the strength from the holy spirit cus without the spirit dwelling in us we re nothing… jst like u wrote… GOD RESPONDED BY SENDING AN ANGEL……….

  • Florence onyekaozuru

    I am so happy that Jesus died for me, he gave me the opportunity to be part of his family to be called a child of God. … Although it wasn’t easy but it was worth it CeCe winnas said in one of her song, against all odd he still did it he gave his life for me but it is painful that some people have not accepted him or believe in him despite the pain he had to go through he showed, the bible said no greater love as this that a man should lay down his life for a friend, he paid the debt I owe, he knew no sin but yet he was briused,beaten and killed for my transgression, the cup was bitter but he had to drink from it…… It was Against all odds, this piece is very interesting and motivational

  • evans nwawuefe

    this post is really inspiring.thank you so much ma.

  • Perpetua Ugwu

    Im touched.

  • Adamu Micah

    This is not just a poem, it’s a divine revelation. Ma your teachings are explanatory and well understood. Through sequential explanation, breakdown of words with references from bible verses, u were able to make one get an insight into what the word of God is talking about.

  • Chidinma Odigbo

    JESUS was never willing to give in to discouragements, they are inevitable you know. He was bent on carrying out his divine assignment. And that he did. It behoves us therefore to live out his purpose upon us with every sense of responsibility bearing in mind that there is great dividend in serving him.

  • very touching and inspiring

  • Anunukem Geraldine

    Amen. I pray for God to give us the grace to run this race for eternity against all odds in Jesus name

  • Mbah Merit

    Amen.

  • Anioke Ebere

    AGAINST ALL ODDS! Wow. The life of Jesus is such an inspiring example for everyone. This example teaches us to Forge Ahead In Times of Hardship (FAITH). Jesus looked away from the pain of the cross as He embraced the cross, and focused on the glory ahead. In all our life endeavours, especially in our christian life journey, we must not allow our present challenges to becloud our view of our glorious future. Thank you Ma for this success booster.

  • Nneka Orjiude

    Against all odds, above all fears, He chose to suffer and die for me. Christ Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and now we who belive are redeemed. God’s will must be fulfilled no matter what. Inspirational, Ma. God bless you

  • Abasibiangake Essienubong

    “May we, like Jesus, obey God and fulfil His purpose for our lives against all odds”. May His grace keep us obedient and running to the end so that like Paul we can say, we have finished the race. Only then can we win the prize that comes with finishing. Thank you for this descriptive piece. May the benefit of His death be made a reality in our lives.

  • This is so touching!!! He died that we may have life to the fullest and most people don’t want to key into this divine blessing. Rather, they follow the things of the world and their lives become shortened. Father, help us all, as it’s only you that can do it.

  • ononso akwueke

    Great yet again. From who else? Aunty Edith. Am always assured that I’ll always learn from you. Just like Jesus did, we will fulfil our purpose in life.

  • Eneje Chekwube Vitus

    Jesus Christ accepted the shame, humiliation, torture, and above all, died on the cross of Calvary for me.

    Father Lord! Help me never to depart from you despite all odds.
    With you by my side, I have nothing to fear.

  • Benjamin C.Nweke

    May his death for us never be in vain.
    may we emulate him and walk in his path.
    and after our stay here, our reward shall be great in heaven. Amen

  • Uzor, Ogechukwu Juliet

    Amen! God bless you Ma. May God help us discover our own purposes on earth and enable us to pursue them despite stiff oppositions and distractions of this world.

  • Mbadugha Ifeanyi

    I pray we get the grace to overcome the weakness of the flesh and fulfil that which is the will of God for us.

  • Uzor, Ogechukwu Juliet

    Amen! God bless you Ma. May God help us discover our own purposes on earth and enable us to pursue them despite stiff oppositions and distractions of this world.

  • Amos Janet

    This goes to show that as Christians, we should be able to follow Christ against all odds just as he did for us at the cross.

  • Jesus is the center of it all.his love is steadfast

  • Ozoemena Jennifer Adaobi

    Against all odds as Christians we should follow the path Christ Jesus has made for us

  • MADUEKE SOMTO CYNTHIA

    Against all odds we need to live our lives like Christ and to please God

  • Okeleke loveth

    This writeup is one everybody should read because it draws our attention to the prize Christ paid for us. God bless you, ma.

  • Okeleke loveth

    God bless you for this wonderful and inspirational story. May God help you more TO keep on feeding us with good news

  • Nwachi Peter

    Nice food for thought. God bless you MA

  • Chioma Onah

    What sacrifice could be greater than Jesus Christ giving up his life. He died in an agonizing way. But then….. He rose from the dead on the third day. What a way to console us! What other excuse do we have not to be good and believe in God?

  • For the Christian, all of life falls under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And from Him we pick perfect examples of how to model our life

  • Arene Ifeyinwa Ketochukwu

    Thank you, ma. Yes, we should try and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives no matter the hurdles

  • Abugu Nkemjika

    FOR God so loved the world that he swnt his only begotten son to save us, we should always bear this in mind anywhere we go!
    Christ was faced with so much challengs yet he didn’t guve up so when we want ti give up we should remember that God loves and care about us.

  • Akabuike Chisom

    Christians we should always imitate Jesus who despite torment and shame still delivered which Christians have failed to have in this world, God is truly wonderful

  • Rose Jonathan

    Thank God for the wonderful example of Jesus, if not, what would have been the story of mankind? Today, I receive the enduring grace of God to press on despite the circumstance.

  • Ajibo Lovelyn Onyedikachi

    May your grace keep and sustain us dear Lord to live a life of faithfulness, truthfulness, and to worship you against all odds in Jesus name. Amen

  • Akogu Imelda Chidiebere

    Thank you Ma for this amazing write up, my prayer today and always is that God will give us his children the grace and zest to triumph over all temptations that the devil may send our ways just as Jesus rebuked Peter for going out of the divine spirit of God which helped him recognize Jesus as the Christ the son of God.

  • SAMUEL GODSGIFT AKACHUKWU

    if we say we are the children of God, then we should know that jesus is a role model to us. if he was able to endure the torture of the cross for our sake, we should also learn to worship God amidst whatever may be the distraction. we are supposed to bury the desires of the flesh and submit ourselves to the will of God, he who has called us will equip us for the pain and suffering ahead and at the end of the day, we will have eternal victory in christ.

  • AKWOLU CHIAMAKA

    As a student, it is easy to give up after one bad experience or the other. we want to stop pressing forward and just relax. but i have decided to be like jesus and never give up aganist all odds. i will always bear the present so as to enjoy the future. the devil may want to convince me that God has abandoned me but i believe that he is faithful and if i should be like jesus, he will save me and give me the prize at the end of the day.

  • Jackreece Princess Daeregoba

    Good and Great Write up… The thing is, only God can do what no man can. Jesus is s perfect example and we should live our lives… The way he did.
    God bless you ma for this wonderful piece

  • Aniah favour Adaeze

    How many times in our lives have we prayed for God’s wish.
    Since jesus was able to pray unto his own father, what about you? When will we stop taking laws into our hands ? When will the spirit of humility live in us bcos Jesus was humble till death..its left for us

  • Ugwuoke Kenneth Ekene

    Honestly, I say thank you Jesus for everything. I pray that i will be able to carry your name and withstand the pressure that this world brings with it.

  • Adonu Ifeanyichukwu B

    “O my father, if this be possible, let this cup pass from me ,” he cried (Matthew 26:39). Christians should pray from this perspective rather than forcing God to take away their cross by all means necessary…. Christianity without suffering is a farce. Help us Lord to know the will of God for us in every suffering we encounter in life Amen.

  • Maduabuchi Emmanuel Chidera

    The life of Jesus is an example to us. Much of what God would have us do for His glory, for our own good and for the blessing of others,we may not like it but we have to do it.

  • Ugwu Ikenna

    We cant go wrong when we present our troubles to God. He is our ever present helper and guide. Thank God

  • Ugwu Gabriel

    Every Christian that really wants to make it to heaven must emulate Jesus Christ. He is author and finisher of our faith

  • Be courageous and be different,you must like Jesus walk away from the crowed, you must take the path alone when necessary if you must succeed in your endeavors. Jesus is our model let us learn from him.

  • You brought out the night, so powerfully, and He went to the Cross against all odds…hence we should follow His way..God bless you Edith..beautifully written

    • Edith Ohaja

      Thanks for dropping by, Rita! Glory to God for sending the Lord Jesus to die for us. That is why we have hope beyond this life and victory even here. Cheers! ❤️

  • Anabude oluchi

    Despite his personality he humbled himself for mankind and decided to drink the cup suffering against all odds and secondly we should always be sensitive in the spirit to know when God is talking and when devil is speaking through an individual as seen when Peter was trying to discourage Jesus from embarking on what he was sent to do but Jesus rebuked him

  • Faith ojima

    The life of Jesus teaches us a lot of things like love and praying to God before making decisions,Jesus is my role model in everything l do.His love for me is excess even when l don’t deserve it,he is always there

  • Ibekwe Vincent Chukwuebuka

    As a Humble king he chose to die on the for the sake of his people and because of that act he was honored in heaven by his father, he was given a name that is above every other name, that at the mention of JESUS every kneel shall bow and every tongues confess.
    There will be no glory without Cross. Also humility is a great virtue.

  • Kooyon Abigail Aershimana

    In his distress, Jesus went to God in prayer. We can’t go wrong when we take our challenges to God for He is still “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 – NIV).
    Citing you above ma is where I felt punched.

    If Jesus as God was humble enough to go to God in prayer, then who am I that I can’t do the same?
    The bible tells us that God cherish a broken and contrite spirit but our biggest challenge is we subconsciously think God is not up-to-date like us. This can be seen in our pattern of worship and prayer. Instead of crying out to God as we’re instructed, we prefer to package out prayers by speaking big words and holding back our tears when we’re supposed to cry….
    I feel God is our father and we His children.
    Now if you look closely at the relationship we have with our earthly parents, you will agree with me that we’ve not really recognize the role of God as our father.
    For example when a child is in need of an exercise book, I think what he/she does is to go to his/her parents to ask and when it seems like there’s no assurance of getting her that exercise book, she breaks down cries and begs until she gets that book.
    Now this is how I feel we Christians should be before God. There shouldn’t be packaging, there shouldn’t be big grammar nor pretence. If there’s need to cry, cry. If there’s need to shout, do it. And as well if you feel discussing with Him is just right for you, do it.
    Treat God as your father not a stranger.

  • Egbue Precious

    God is truly a loving father how can he be so selfless as to send his only son a human cannot do such

  • Okorie Blessing Chigozirim

    Thank you Lord for your sacrifice. I’m forever grateful.

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