"Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11 NIV)

I wish I could speak these words with the faith, determination, and
resolve that Jesus used when he spoke to Peter. He's perfect. I'm
far from it. Today, however, this simple question really convicted
me.

Is there a single day that finds me without complaint? Maybe it's a
sigh, the rolling of my eyes, or a wince, but the murmur is there.
Pain has a way of making me forget, if only momentarily, that God is
in total control.

What would happen to me if I rebelled against God? Would it take my
pain away? Probably not. Honestly, I think it would do the
opposite. The grace and peace, which I need so desperately to get
through each day, would be gone. The mercy and compassion, which I
sometimes take for granted, would undoubtedly leave me vulnerable to
the enemy. The safety and protection of my Father's care would give
way to the open advances of the enemy of my soul.

No matter how many times I want to scream and rail against God - to
wallow in self-pity because of my physical hardships - I have to
fight to remind myself that this is the path God has chosen for me
(Proverbs 20:24). He knows how much I can bear (I Corinthians 10:12-
13), and I believe that His word is true. My battle is to live and
not die and declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17). Yet, how
will I be able to tell of His goodness if I refuse to drink from the
cup that He holds out to me?

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to see Your hand at work in our lives. Give
us a new perspective so that we may endure our trials. Use our daily
challenges as opportunities for us to tell of Your excellent goodness
and unfailing mercy.