Most parents will agree that giving medicine to a child is not easy. They complain that it’s bitter. They scream at the top of their voices. They spit it out and make a mess and as they get older, their tricks for not taking medicine get better.

Taking medicine is very similar to drinking the bitter cup. It’s supposed to make things better but is a horrifying experience. Even Jesus will agree that it takes a bitter cup for healing and restoration to happen.

Christ’s mission on earth was to save humanity. He spent His time teaching, healing, working miracles, and telling parables. These things were very effective in meeting some of the people’s needs, but to save the entire world, Christ had to drink the bitter cup of suffering.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36 NIV)

As Christian wives, moms, sisters in faith, and Christ followers, our ministries and responsibilities will sometimes require us to drink from the cup of bitterness. Things like teaching, sharing, and showing that we care may not always be enough.

We will be called to make tough decisions and sacrifices that seem too hard to endure. In these moments, as we embrace our cup of bitterness, we have to let go and let God. While praying in the garden, Jesus yielded to the will of God when He said, let your will be done.

Drinking the bitter cup means allowing the will of God to be done instead of ours. It means facing tough decisions and embracing our difficulties as we allow the Lord to empower us.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Are you willing to drink from the bitter cup to make things get better? I pray that you will not fuss like a child avoiding medicine but that you’ll allow the Lord to empower you.