THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 20:20-23
“‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’ ‘We can,’ they answered.” (Matthew 20:22)
I recall my naive confidence when I first wanted to be a minister.
Youthful optimism, or ignorance… I never questioned that I could do it.
Like James and John, I could drink that cup, I could handle that challenge.
Twenty three years later, and I’m still in ministry, but NOT still confident.
James and John were too wrapped in themselves; they needed to be humbled.
They needed to know that working for God in this world is not a ‘nice cup of tea’.
Even Jesus, who faithfully lived and served in God’s world, suffered for it.
I CANNOT drink this cup, that is survive or succeed in this world… but WE CAN!
Alone we are doomed, but with Him, we are guaranteed resurrection hope!
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Whatever assignment God gives to us, we can succeed IF we do it with Him.
Despite my naive self-confidence, God has shown me where my true confidence lies.
He has used me, despite me, to share His cup of blessing with others!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I can now smile when I think of my naive self-confidence back then – as You did. But thank You for using me anyway, and teaching me the meaning of God-confidence.