Wine To Drink Mixed With Gall

Matthew 27: 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

I enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner. The right wine paired with a good cut of meat or salad, to me, adds to the flavor and the pleasure of a dining experience.  Occasionally I will run into a wine that does not live up to its’ promise or ranking.  The most expensive bottle of wine I ever purchased turned out to be a nasty tasting bottle of yuck.  The cork had failed to seal and the wine turned to vinegar.  I was disappointed because I had saved to buy the wine for a special occasion – a dinner shared with good friends.  We choose not to endure the bad wine.

In our lives we can encounter situations where our desire to avoid the pain of a situation is great. We would like to not have to endure the bad wine. However we may find that we must endure the trial or difficult situation.  When we come to the realization that we must endure the trial it can lead to frustration on our part.  And with the frustration can come a bit of soul searching. We might even foolishly ask why us, why now, or why not someone else? We need look no further than 1 Peter 1:6-7 for a better perspective on dealing with trials and tribulations.  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Granted this may be difficult to do while in the midst of a difficult time or situation. But when we step back and look at what is going on, we often find there is a reason for the trial. And when we pray during the experience we gain an opportunity to connect with the Lord and seek His will in this situation.  Often times we are given an opportunity to learn through the experience. Do not be surprised if in your future you are blessed with the opportunity to share what you learned with someone else in the midst of their own ordeal.  It happens that way, and I can say this with confidence from my own experience.  When we find ourselves filled with fear we can embrace the lessons of Isaiah 43:1-2.   But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.   Friends of the Risen Savior, trust in the Lord - always. 

Prayer: Almighty God we often find ourselves in the midst of an ordeal or trial that is not pleasant to endure. We may be suffering from health issues, relationship problems, job struggles or financial difficulties. Whatever the cause or situation Father, help us keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Give us the faith to remain calm and steadfast. Guide us in Your path as we struggle. And help us to learn what You would have us learn from the experience. In our lives, in all that we do may Your will be done. These things we ask in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.