This morning an old friend sent a text asking me to share godly wisdom & faith with her for the troubles & grief she has been experiencing for several years. I too am aware of the pain of loss and I understand it affects each one of us differently. However, there is nothing like having someone who cares, to come alongside you in your time of need. When we take the time to show God’s love and care for another, it is refreshing like a cup of cold water on a scorching day. In my video above, I share a powerful lesson from a cup of water. We can either be refreshed or repulsed by the water we are given. We can drink it or despise it. We will choose to consume the water in the glass and be satisfied by it or we may choose to carry it around, letting the weight of it cause dissatisfaction in the glass itself as it becomes a burden.
In Matthew 10:42, we read where Jesus said, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” The illustration of a cup of cold water reminds me of the living water Jesus offered the woman at the well and He said that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again. When a gift is offered, the other one can take it or leave it. Even then, the gift may come in a box that needs to be opened, accepted and used or the gift will not be fully appreciated.
Nonetheless, the one who gave the gift still gave something of value to the other. In this story, the gift is a cup of water. When we give a cup of water in Jesus’ name, we represent Him. The water He gives is His Holy Spirit and it is Living Water that satisfies and heals and gives eternal life. His Spirit delivers peace for our troubled minds, and the one who gives the cup of water receives a reward from the Lord. To me, I believe the reward is knowing that He is pleased that His love was allowed to flow through me to another when I offer a cup of water, aka a listening ear, a compassionate reply, a helping hand, a prayer and when I share the truth of the gospel that truly can provide the wholeness, healing and help they need at the very core. This is how we loosen the straps of the heaviness people are carrying. We come alongside them and offer them a drink of love, peace, hope and friendship.
We all have been through something. And by sharing our stories & offering real lasting hope to someone else, we offer a cup of cold water. They choose if they want it.
Listen! What do you hear God speaking to you?
GOOD NEWS from the Word of God:
We can take comfort in knowing God works all things for our good and His glory.
Even evil Kings can turn their hearts to Him. This is GOOD NEWS!
After King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and his sanity returned, and after he learned the Most High God rules; and after he learned to worship and honor God, he was restored to his right mind, back to society and to his position once again.
He wrote about it as recorded in the book of Daniel:
“I looked UP to heaven!
My sanity returned and I praised and worshipped the Most High and honored the ONE who lives forever.
His rule is everlasting and His Kingdom is eternal…
Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven.
All His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble those who are proud!” Daniel 4:34-37
There was a time in my life that I too had a prideful heart, thinking I was better than a person I loved that had turned his back on God for awhile. When he returned back to the Lord, I was happy he did but I thought I was owed something for the pain I had suffered. I was mad and had a bitter attitude towards the ONE who could rescue me, and heal my broken heart. I had refused the cup of cold water and I needed to eat some humble pie. I got it too and I’m so glad I did because the Lord gently corrected me as He poured peace into me at the same time, as I surrendered to Him, received His forgiveness and then forgave my friend. In my times of trouble, God was still faithful. In my times of pain and grief, He did not abandon me. He humbled me and healed me when I looked up to heaven to where my help comes from. I’m truly grateful! Do you have a story like that? Someone may need to hear it.
LOOK UP! When we let go of pride and seek the Lord in humility, our eyes look UP! Let’s praise and worship our awesome God together, drinking from the cup of living, refreshing water that Jesus gives us. There is no one like Him and He is faithful. With a thankful and grateful heart, give honor and glory and praise to Him. A heart & mind that praises God even in difficult times, invites His presence and peace into the situation.
No matter what we have gone through, are going through or are yet to experience, our God reigns and rules and is a promise keeping God. Jesus told his disciples, His closest friends, then and now, that in this world we will have troubles and don’t you know that is true. But He also said He would give us peace if we believe in Him, and that we should take heart and trust Him because He has overcome the world. It may not seem like it to you now, but friend, if you will look UP to heaven and “return to God, act on the principles of love and justice and always live in confident dependence on God” as I read today in Hosea, the Lord says, He will heal you and you will experience His love that has no bounds. Read the rest of the story here…
Receive this cup, a drink of peace for your troubled hearts and minds. Drink of His presence and be satisfied. It’s pure cold water that quenches & satisfies. Go ahead! Take a drink!
Suzanne: He Reveals to Heal!
Greg: Keep Faith’n it!
Greg & Suzanne Grimaud,
Authors – Speakers – Coaches