Will You Drink the Cup He Gives You? By Major Frank Materu
----Key Scripture: Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:38-39, NIV)
----Introduction
Life often presents us with difficult choices, and as Christians, we are sometimes called to make decisions that test our faith and commitment to God. In the Gospels, Jesus faced such a moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He prayed to the Father concerning the "cup" He was to drink—a symbol of the suffering and sacrifice He was about to endure. This teaching invites us to reflect on our willingness to drink the cup God places before us and to remain faithful in our walk with Him.
---- The Challenge of the Cup
God’s call often requires obedience, even when it involves trials and suffering. Many profess their love for God yet falter when faced with challenges that demand steadfastness. The scriptures remind us that some turned away from Jesus because they deemed His teachings too difficult. “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:66, NIV) Choosing the easier path may offer temporary relief, but it ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.
----The Danger of the Cup of Demons
The enemy’s temptations often masquerade as easier alternatives, offering fleeting pleasure and comfort. However, such choices lead to destruction. Paul warns believers in 1 Corinthians 10:21 (NIV): “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” Drinking the cup of demons poisons the soul and separates us from God.
----The Reward of Drinking God’s Cup
Though the cup God gives may involve suffering, it also brings lasting joy and eternal reward. Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will led to His resurrection and exaltation. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:8-9 (NIV): “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Likewise, when we embrace God’s will, we experience His abundant blessings.
----Commitment Over Comfort
True discipleship requires prioritizing God’s purpose over personal comfort. Jesus’ earthly mission exemplified unwavering commitment to the Father. He resisted temptation and remained steadfast, unlike Judas Iscariot, who chose betrayal. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:24 (NIV): “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Following Christ’s example, we are called to persevere in faith and obedience.
----Overcoming the Voices of Darkness
We live in a world saturated with conflicting voices that seek to lead us astray. These voices, fueled by spiritual darkness, aim to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus assures us in John 10:10 (NIV): “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” By fixing our hearts and minds on God’s Word, we gain discernment and strength to resist these distractions.
----The Example of Christ
Jesus’ willingness to drink the cup of suffering demonstrates perfect obedience and integrity. His sacrifice became the foundation of our salvation. As Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV) declares: “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” His triumph encourages us to trust God’s plan, knowing it leads to victory.
----Summary
God’s cup may contain challenges, but it also holds eternal blessings. Rejecting it in favor of worldly comforts leads to spiritual emptiness and separation from God. On the other hand, embracing it with faith and obedience ensures lasting joy and fulfillment in His presence.
----Conclusion
Every believer must decide whether to drink the cup God offers. By following Christ’s example of obedience, we align ourselves with God’s will and receive the abundant life He promises. Rejecting His cup leads to destruction, but accepting it brings eternal reward.
----Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged to trust God’s plan for your life, even when the path seems difficult. Remember the promise of Romans 8:18 (NIV): “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Choose to drink the cup He gives with gratitude and faith, knowing that His ways lead to life everlasting.
