I remember when Prime Minister Andrew Holness was being targeted for using the phrase “bitter medicine” in a speech he gave. Commentators emphasized, criticized, analyzed, and might I dare say, created a wave of fear across the nation.

We all knew that the harsh economic climate we faced could only be remedied by tough decisions and the willingness to sacrifice, but we didn’t fancy the thought being vocalized.

We know that when we were ill as children, in order to get better, our parents gave us medicine to get better. The medicine was bitter, but to ensure we got better, we endured the bitterness.

Our spiritual journey is sometimes very similar to taking bitter medicine; however, we know that in the end things will get better. The phrase “bitter medicine” is about endurance, making tough decisions, and being hopeful about the future. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness understood this very well. He knew that the only way to meet his vision for the nation required him to be optimistic about the future, make the tough decisions, and endure to the end. We see this same trait in many Bible characters like Naomi, Esther, Sarai, and even Jesus.

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:2-4 NIV)

As wives, moms, aunts, sisters in Christ, and people of faith, we all have to face the “bitter medicine” from time to time. Death may claim our loved ones the way it did Naomi. We may face marital issues like Sarai, or our lives may be threatened like Esther. We may have to give up our lavish life or our prestigious positions like Jesus. But there is hope!

If we are faithful and endure our bitter ordeals, we will get to our season of hope and prosperity. Prime Minister Holness knew that the bitter medicine was necessary to shape Jamaica into a place where people would want to work, live, and raise families.

As followers of Christ, we know that a future of hope and promise will await each of us who remains faithful. The one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22 NIV)

Are you willing to take the bitter medicine to get better? Don’t worry about the discomfort. Make the tough decisions now, tell yourself that you are going to endure to the end, and think about the hopeful future ahead of you.