ANOTHER CUP

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.
 Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39

Life is a cauldron of facts, opinions, theories and possibilities. Leaders serve as arbiters between their followers and the truth. These “leaders” come in all shapes and sizes. Their status can either be relational or situational. When we are young, our parents are the most influential source in how we view the world. As we grow, the power of their influence lessens as we are exposed to other “leaders” in our life. Authority figures at school, church and in the community begin to season our thinking with the interjection of “new ideas”. Consider for a moment, the people who have influenced your life. People who have helped to shape who you are, what you do and what you are willing to die for. When Jesus was faced with his death on the cross, the reality of his “path” in life; he asked God if he was able to drink from “another cup”. He simply wanted confirmation from God for the direction of his life.
 
The concept of “another cup” has changed my life. I want to challenge each of you to seriously consider what you are doing with your life. Evaluate your “PATH” and ask God if you need to be drinking from “another cup.” You may be encouraged through His positive affirmation to stay your course; or you may be encouraged to take bold steps in a new direction. Regardless of your answer, it will be great to know His will for your life.
 
Purpose - “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21). When we live our lives for ourselves, following our own plan, taking names and pushing forward in spite of all odds; it make take days, weeks, months or years, for God to get our attention. But God’s purpose will prevail in our lives. I once heard a pastor state it this way, “You were created unique, it would be a shame for you to die a copy.” Ask God to reveal your purpose in life and pursue it with passion.
 
Altitude - “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”(Psalm 61:2-4). God has a “higher” purpose for our lives than anything we could imagine. We often settle for second or third best because we are afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone. His plan is perfect for who we are “now” and is perfect for what he will mold us to “be”. Along with the “height” of the goal is the assurance that we can take “refuge” in His wings when we feel faint.
 
Target - “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4). Sometimes we worry that if we give God control of our life that He will send us somewhere, to do something that we have no desire to do. But in fact the reality is that when we willfully give him control, with a desire to please Him, He will give us the “desires of (our) heart”. We might discover something new that we really enjoy; or He could open doors to do something that we already enjoy, but didn’t know we would ever be able to do it for God. A friend of mine used to work in the “broadcast” industry selling and making commercials for customers. He enjoyed it and was very good, but his life took several turns in a different direction until he found his “path”. Today he is using his “love and talent” on the cutting edge of internet “podcasting” for God. He has hit his target while having the time of his life.
 
Hindrances - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1). Letting go of “hindrances” or “sins” in our life is necessary to run the race that God has called us to do. He doesn’t want anything to slow us down or hold us back from achieving His good and perfect will for our life. It’s a choice that everyone has to make for themselves. What “hindrance” is holding you back? Let it go, run with God, reach for the prize.
 
How’s your pulse today? My heart’s pumping hard, because I face the same challenges to follow God as you do. Let’s look at our “PATH” together this week and ask God if there is “another cup” out there for us or if we just need to “keep on keeping on” seeking the shelter of His wing when times get tough.