"But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?"
Wow. He had someone ready to fight to keep him from hurting and he stopped them. Then he even rebukes Peter with the fact that if God wants him to drink this cup of suffering, should he not do it? I whine about the littlest thing. I've not been asked to die a horrible death (yet). But I fight and cry at each little suffering that is handed to me. This morning as I read this, it humbled me and gave me courage. I would like a heart that's ready to say, "Shall I not drink it?"
12 comments:
Yikes. I think this will have to go into my category of not something I really want, but something I want to want. I'd much rather have 0 suffering. However, I know that suffering is where so much of our growth stems from, assuming we allow that. So while I would really prefer to be pain free, I want to want to be in that place where I count it all joy because that is where true depth in relationship develops.
We always hear people talk about how they would rather be on the mountain top than in the valley. And sure, the view is better from up top, but the valley is where the growth is. It may be dark and cold sometimes, but the lush green grass and the beautiful flowers, they all grow in the valley. The altitude on the mountain top is conducive to beauty but not to growth.
That sounded better in my head.
No idea why I am a noname now, but I figure you can guess who I am, right? Were I computer savvy I could fix this, I'm not. :)
stupid computer
:)
I like how you said that the mountain shows beauty but not growth.
I found the same sort of wisdom as I read Hebrews 11:32-12:13 last night. As you know, I have had a rough summer and school year, and often I cry out "why?!". I think I found my answer..."We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus...think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up..." Heb. 12:2-3. When I get bogged down in what I think is suffering, I need to look up and remember His and what that means for me.
Ouch.
Zeph - Good words.
Shayne - yeah, I agree.
I pray that I can drink of it willing and with boldness in Christ as those times come now and in the future. I am thankful for Gods tender hand through past sufferings. On the other hand I am not seeking or praying for more of those times to come.
We greatly missed you at your Birthday dinner and was so sorry that you could not attend. We will be praying for you to have a wonderful Birthday this coming Tuesday.
We love you and thank God for you and the years that He has blessed us with you.
Dad
Wow. That is powerful and convicting....thanks for sharing, I needed to hear it!
Wow. That is powerful and convicting....thanks for sharing, I needed to hear it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks! :)
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