Please, Pass Me My Cup

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”~Matthew 26: 39
I never really understood why people thought  that Christianity was like a magic wand that makes pain and suffering go away. I mean the Bible doesn’t promise any such thing. In fact it promises that you will suffer a while (1 Peter 5:10), endure temptation (1 Cor. 10:13), tribulations and persecution (Mark 4:17). But what I love most about the Christian walk is that it is discomfort with purpose.
We live in a world where meaningless pain and suffering happens everyday. People experience needless pain and suffering of various types due to bad choices, poor planning and decision making of themselves and others everyday. As we walk with God, we may experience challenges but the results seem to get us to a desired ending, destiny.

As I look back over my life I can find purpose in every experience. Whether they were good or bad I have used what I learned to grow, change, and make better choices. John 15:2 says, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. This process is not comfortable or easy, but I have grown to appreciate its benefits. I love the person I am becoming, even if I don’t like or fully understand the process. The process birthed this beautiful person that I barely recognize when I look in the mirror, but I am so excited to meet her each morning.
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When people ask me what I would change in my life I can honestly say nothing. What I have come to realize is that the sum of my total life experience makes me who I am and if I go back and change anything I may not be the person I am becoming. When we grow beyond the emotion of our  circumstances we learn to focus on the benefits and the intended outcome, not the pain of going through the lessons. It really just comes down to do you really want to be who God created you to be or not. That dirty word we all hate to hear submission is the cornerstone of becoming your true self.  When submit to the process, you commit to being your best self and allow God to do the rest.  Although it is not always easy, you are worth the time and investment. Begin to meet life’s trials with a hopeful, be open to look for God’s true intentions, and watch your life change. Praying for you and with you.
Best, Kay