John 18:11
Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
We live in a broken world. When God created the world, he created it perfectly… with no sin. But, when Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, sin entered the world and the world has been broken ever since. We try to make this world perfect, but we are fighting a losing battle-- it will not be perfect until Jesus returns.
Oftentimes, our instinct is to run from pain, but no matter how far we run, we cannot escape these hard times because we live in a broken world. Many times we pray that God will take certain circumstances out of our life so we will not have to experience the hurt and pain. Jesus acknowledged this idea-- He knew His cup would be to die on the cross and He accepted it, even though it would be painful in every way.
It is okay to ask God to take away your painful circumstances and sometimes He will, but other times He does not change what is going on in your life. Jesus teaches us this so clearly when he asked God to take away the cross, but God said no. Jesus submitted to God’s will and prayed, “not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
What cup has God given you? Ask Him to give you wisdom and acceptance for what is going on in your life. If God is allowing you to go through something painful, then He will get you through it and He will sustain you.
Prayer
Father,
We do live in a broken world and yet I constantly “try” to make it perfect. Help me, Lord, to see this world the way You see it- to realize that I am just passing through until I meet up with You in heaven. God, give me strength to handle whatever life brings my way and help me to accept what I cannot change and get through it with love and grace.
