The Way of God

    One of things that followers of Jesus need to know is that brokenness comes before greatness.  It is a hard lesson to grasp and it is a hard lesson to have to experience.  But the teaching of Jesus and the teaching of scripture is very clear:

"Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don’t know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."" Matthew 20:20-23

The cup of Jesus (above) was the cup of suffering.  When Jesus said "you don't know what you are asking" he meant "you have no idea what is required to get to that place" or "Are you willing to pay the price for what you are asking?"

Jesus also said, ""But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!" Luke 12:50

The incredible suffering of Jesus preceded His great glory.  It works the same with us.

So, don't be surprised when God takes you through the fire.  This is the way of God.

Comments

[Sarah]

Hey Bret! Just checking in to say HI. Good post, even if painful! How are you guys? We are getting settled 'here' again...Ugh, with all the moving we've done... it's definetly been a 'fire season' for us. God is good in the midst of the chaos and in what appears to be 'craziness'! I truly wouldn't trade the closeness and faithfulness of God we have experienced in the midst of the 'fire'... an intamacy beyond explanation. Say HI to S. and the kids for us. Love to you guys - Sarah & Chad