"When you are joyful, be joyful; when you are sad, be sad. If God has given you a sweet cup, don’t make it bitter; and if He has given you a bitter cup, don’t try and make it sweet; take things as they come."
-Oswald Chambers
This was part of my devotion today, and I love it because it reminds me that no matter what life throws at us we are always in that situation for a purpose. God will never give us more than we can handle. I was pretty challenged by this quote actually because when I get placed in a situation that I would label as a "bitter cup", it is easy for me to try to change it or to be really unhappy with where I am. But now I am thinking "what if I can grow from this?" and whenever I ask that, I almost always find a way to grow. Paul said in one of his letters that he has found a way to be content in all situations. Oh how glorious that would be! So many times, I struggle to find contentment in one day of college classes, and I feel as though many of us have that struggle. But suppose for a minute you took some time out of your day when times get rough, and you simply thanked God for the trials. You sat down and said "God, I don't know why I am being put through this trial but thank you so much for the adversity! Grow me through this!"
I've actually said something along these lines to a couple of my residents on my floor. They had come to me because their girlfriends had broken up with them and they were beaten up about it. It was hard to see my guys so down in the dumps but the Lord spoke through me to them and I was able to build into their lives and slowly, even just through one day, I began to see them become joyful again. It got me excited to see God working not just in my life but the lives of others also. One scripture that I gave them and that I give many people is Romans 8:28:
"For we know that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose."
I love this scripture because it reminds me that God works in ALL things. Not some, not a few, ALL. The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, the fun, the sad, the angering, the hurting, the joy, the peace, the turmoil, the worry, the mistakes of the past, the glory of the present, and the hope of the future! Praise be to God for all he is doing and what he has done already in my life and many others.
So today when you are going about your business, if God gives you a sweet cup, don't make it be bitter. Be joyful when you are joyful! The Lord has blessed and gifted you! If God gives you a bitter cup, don't try to make it sweet! Learn and grown! Be sad when you are sad! Angry when you are angry! But tell the Lord because he wanted to hear from you! Even in these times, you are blessed, gifted, and loved!
No comments:
Post a Comment