Bitter-Tasting Cup

John 18:11

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

 

The cup = God’s will for Jesus which was, at that time, bitter, difficult, gruesome, and not the best tasting cup but yet since it was what God wanted Him to go through, He gladly went through it without allowing anyone to hinder it (ie. Peter cutting Malchus’ ear even if Peter meant good out of it.)

 

Sometimes the Lord wants us to drink “cups” the same bitter-tasting as that of Jesus’.  He doesn’t want us to hinder what He ultimately wants to accomplish in us.  Even though this is difficult to do or even “drink,” when we know it is God’s will for us to go through something hard, it is all worth it in the end esp. when we know that it not accomplishes God’s plans but He is also greatly glorified in it. 

 

The bitter-tasting cups in my life, as I know of them to be God’s will, are difficult – I know!  Yet, I know it is to ultimately give glory to the Lord.  At times when I feel that my experiences may feel “bitter-tasting” and it’s not always the easiest thing to endure, when I know it is God’s best for me, then I know I can obey Him completely – He will give me strength to endure, grace to go on and the endurance to complete the cup.  He will be glorified in everything – all the bitter-tasting cups and all that is coming ahead must bring glory to His name.

 

Lord, truly You are my strength.  It may be ironic to know that there are “bitter-tasting” cups that I have to endure but I know that You, Jesus Christ, has experienced far greater “bitter-tasting” cups than what I even experience.  I thank You for Your inspiration to obey my Father God and for me to be a vessel for God’s glory to shine greatly! I love You Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.