This Cup

Life can be tough. There have been things in my life that I’ve gone through that if I had the power to choose them, I wouldn’t have. I’m sure you can relate. Jesus felt the same way when faced with the daunting task of the cross. While in the garden in Matthew 26:39, he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me”. Although he loved God and knew it had to be done, he had moment of reluctance concerning the suffering that he was about to endure. He felt the weight of what lied before him. He knew the contents of the cup of suffering that he was about partake. We’ve all been there at some point or the other. Was it having to bury a loved one? Was it receiving a scary diagnosis from the doctor? Divorce? Lay off? Dealing with a rebellious child? Being betrayed by someone you trusted? Financial Difficulty? Regardless of the circumstance, the fact that life can be overwhelming still remains.

What is our perspective on suffering? It would be insane to want it or look forward to. Right? Let’s revisit Matthew 26:39. Jesus ended by saying,” Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” He stepped back into the role of Savior. He was willing to put his own feelings and fear aside to honor the will of the Father for His life. This is the response that God requires of us.

Hebrews 5:8-9 states, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,“. If Jesus, the blameless son of God had to suffer, then we cannot expect any less. There are areas within us that God can only build through suffering. If our true heart’s desire is to become Christlike, then we must drink the cup because trying to pass the cup only hinders the process of God in our lives.

Let us not don’t despise the suffering that God is allowing in our lives to mature us.

God will provide the grace we need to bear and drink the cup. His grace is sufficient.

Passages for Difficult Times:

James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

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