I recently read a book “Can you Drink The Cup” by Henri J.M. Nouwen that has provided a new perspective on how I’ve looked at the “challenges” in life. This has been especially reflective for me as I’ve been recently confronted with opportunities to grow in ways that haven’t always been comfortable. I’ve found myself tortured by sleepless nights and hunger pains from days of fasting. But through it all His grace has proved sufficient for me – and I’ve grown. I’ve realized that during moments of silence we learn to listen for His voice while confronting our true selves.
In order that we get over that painful past we must get to a place of complete and unconditional understanding and compassion for the one who died for us. “Jesus’ unconditional yet to his Father had empowered him to drink his cup not in passive resignation but with the full knowledge that the hour of his death would also be the hour of his glory.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen – Drink The Cup
Being ok with myself enough to acknowledge when I’m not ok has been a personal struggle. Fighting thoughts of “what others will think” instead of being vulnerable enough to not hinder my own personal growth and the growth of those around me for the sake of selfishly looking good. Such a terrible and crippling disease that often challenges me to pass the cup,, before I get sincere with the price paid for such an opportunity to suffer or succeed for His name sake.
In this book I’m reading it says “it is easy for us to live truncated lives because of hard things that have happened in our past, which we prefer not to remember. Often the burdens of our past seem too heavy for us to carry alone. Shame and guilt make us hide part of ourselves and thus make us live half lives.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen – Drink The Cup
This desire to be vulnerable and bare seeking restoration from God has proved to be a challenge. Not only admitting the need for change within myself, but also the process of changing and growing. This has spawned in me a need for a new reality and truth to operate from leaving no room for ego or self actualization within a body of believers.
“Nowhere am I as well known as in this little community. It is totally impossible to hide my impatience, my anger, my frustration and my depression from people who are so in touch with their own weaknesses.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen
The quote above is something that I relate to. Considering the depth of truth unveiled and the reality presented in a community of believers who not only believe in God, but believe in each other. Often more belief is placed in those around us then in our own selves and this is when opportunities to be a mirror of growth towards Him, rather than a mask flaunted in relationships supported by false feelings and emotions hiding behind empty hellos and good-byes.
It’s a God thing, cause this attitude is not what I grew up experiencing or believing. “Our culture says that ruthless competition is the key to success. Jesus says that ruthless compassion is the purpose of our journey.” – Author Unknown
“We often accept grace in theory but not in practice.” – Brennan Manning. Do we have grace enough to be understanding in situations that aren’t clear? Do we show grace to those who are not where God wants them to be fully, but continue to press into the thorns of life? Do we have grace enough to not only speak Life into someone, but also Truth from a loving place that allows for the pill of spiritual growth to be taken with grace because it was given by grace?
This act displays not only another strengths and weaknesses or blind spots, but an selfless affection that says “I love you enough to tell you the hard things and I pray that you have enough love and guts to do the same for me.”
“When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. The sorry overwhelms us, makes us throw ourselves on the ground, face down, and sweat drops of blood. Then we need to be reminded that our cup of sorrow is also our chop of joy and that one day we will be able to taste the joy as fully as we now taste the sorrow.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen
Often quite uncomfortable and confronting, this is the love that God desires us to experience in the face of constantly being asked daily “Can You Drink The Cup?” This selfless love creates a desire to serve before being served, seek understanding before being understood and choosing to love before being loved.
In the midst of the sorrows is consolation, in the midst of darkness is light, in the midst of despair is hope, in the midst of Babylon is glimpse of Jerusalem, and in the midst of the army of demons is the consoling angel. The cup of sorrow , inconceivable as it seems, is also the cup of joy. Only when we discover their in our own life can we consider drinking it.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen
I’ve heard it said that we shouldn’t wait until we feel like forgiving before we forgive. In most cases it’s already to late, if we wait until we feel like forgiving. Bitterness may have already laid root. This is when the cup should be drank whole. Destroying any potential foothold for the enemy is the key. Before pride sets in, before doubt sets in, before comparison and fear set in…drink from the cup.
“When we are first aware of our own brokenness, our eyes are opened to see our own faces in the faces of the oppressed and to see our own hands in the hands of the oppressors. Then we shall all be truly free.” – Author Unknown.
All too often we forget that forgiveness is a gift that was given freely to us and we should choose to give it away freely as often as possible. I see this as tangible evidence of one choosing to drink the cup before the depth and breath of willingness show up.
This depth can be something easy to run from without ever considering the quality of the blessing behind the masked sorrow that will follow.
“The obedience of the Son not to let the cup pass ins not of heroism, staunch determination or will power, but rather a deep and spiritual yes to Abba, the love of His wounded heart.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen
Be blessed and drink the cup….
