Read Mark 15:23
When Jesus was about to be crucified, He was offered wine mixed with myrrh. This mixture acted like a drug, dulling the pain and helping the sufferer endure the agony. But Jesus refused it. Why? Because He had already chosen to fully drink the cup of suffering for our sins. He would not take a shortcut or avoid even a portion of the pain required for our salvation.
This reveals His deep love for us. From the glory of heaven to the shame of the cross, He chose to endure everything—all the misery, sorrow, and agony that our redemption required. Nothing was left unfinished.
How different this is from us! We often look for the easiest way out of trials. We pray for relief instead of asking for strength to endure. We sometimes long for comfort more than for God’s glory. But Jesus shows us a better way: to say, “Father, not my will, but Yours be done.”
There are times when God allows suffering, not to crush us, but to glorify Himself through us. What if our pain becomes the very place where others see Christ? What if our sacrifice brings glory to God? Like Jesus, we are called to trust that God’s purpose is greater than our comfort. And His grace will always be enough for us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for refusing the cup of comfort so that You could drink the full cup of suffering for my salvation. Forgive me when I complain or try to escape my trials instead of trusting You in them. Give me strength to endure hardship with faith, and courage to put Your glory above my comfort. May my life reflect Your love and obedience, even in seasons of suffering.
In Your name I pray, Amen.
Bp. Paul Solomon Maglaya
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