Since my college days, I’ve always enjoyed a good cup of coffee. Far from a true connoisseur, however, I’ve stocked my supply with everything from the brand on sale at the grocery store to the flavored blends at a specialty shop. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do some traveling and—while in Honduras—I learned from a local storeowner that the best type of coffee to buy is shade-grown. When she explained that the shade makes the coffee less bitter, I began thinking of how this coffee concept connected to times in my spiritual journey.
In Luke 17:1, Jesus clearly stated that temptations would come. In an interesting train of thought, He continued by emphasizing the importance of forgiveness (Luke 17:4). While bitterness is not a sin that readily comes to mind when we think of the temptations we face, it’s no less a reality. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Acts 8 tells us that although “Simon himself believed and was baptized” (Acts 8:13), Peter sensed that Simon’s desire for God’s power in his life was wrongly motivated. In reading the passage, we can see Simon was a man fascinated with power. Furthermore, he wasn’t just jealous—he was bitter.
When we experience difficult situations in life, the powers of darkness stand ready to tell us that we have to prove ourselves to others—whether by gaining their approval or by gaining power in ourselves. For the believer, though, God has promised to be our shade (Psalm 91:1). He is the Lord Most High, the One who has promised to be our protection (Psalm 17:8, 36:7). As we take Him at His Word, our lives become a rich harvest rather than a bitter regret.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 28:8-15
More:
Read Isaiah 4:5-6 and Mark 4:31-32 to see what God provides for those who place their faith in Him.
Next:
When have you been tempted to be bitter? How did you respond? What does staying in God’s shadow look like in the practical everyday decisions we make?
roxanne robbins on September 29, 2012 at 12:51 am
What a difference it would make to let God be our shelter rather than exposing ourselves to prolonged heat by taking things into our own hands.
regina franklin on September 30, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Great word, Roxanne. How often does our bitterness toward God stem from our own decisions, ones that remove us from under His covering because of our disobedience?
Brianbenyosef on September 29, 2012 at 8:05 am
I’m constantly asking GOD to make me more like him… Not realizing that he allready has. My empathy compassion love and tolerance have all been increased one hundred fold! I am having the most incredible relationship with Jesus that I cannot fathom being without him!!! Allthough I am still a sinner (just like everyone) I have been saved by the blood of Christ. I will never be able to live up to my own expectations of what a Christian is supposed to be or Gods expectations of me. Butt I’m still saved and loved just the same! All praise and glory to GOD!!! We all have his love!
regina franklin on September 30, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Dear Brian,
My best efforts pale in comparison to His greatness, but as you have aptly noted, He is doing an incredible work in the lives of His children when we live in a place of submission to His will. In these places, our brokenness becomes a beautiful place of restoration, His strength becoming perfected in our weakness.
winn collier on October 1, 2012 at 9:34 am
I love this image we see so often in the Psalms, of God as our our refuge, our shelter and shade. I need this from God right now.
regina franklin on October 1, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Dear Winn,
I have known those places when the heat of criticism or circumstances seems inescapable only to recognize (at the seemingly most desperate moment) the cool breeze and covered protection that Christ brings. Praying rest in the shade for you.