You’ve heard that cliché many times. The challenges you face make you either bitter or better. Another version of that is, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Someone once added, “Unless it’s a grizzly bear. It will just kill you!”

Bitter or better. That’s fine on a bumper sticker. But what about real life? I heard about a pastor who received the diagnosis of rapidly progressive Alzheimer’s in his mid-50s. He faced the end of his vibrant ministry and the death of his dream. He could have been bitter.

He called the board together, told them what the doctors said and made this statement: “When I am incompetent to lead this congregation would you promise me I can clean up the fellowship hall and do other menial tasks as long as I am able? I want to know my life will still be one of service to the people of God.”

Wow. Yes, he could have been bitter. He could have struggled with “why God?” But he didn’t. He made a choice.

Jesus made a choice in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was before Him. The cross. The agony. The shame. The separation from His heavenly Father. And while He asked His Father to allow this bitter cup to be removed, He said, “Nevertheless …. ”

Facing the cross, He chose to walk that bitter path so we can have a better life, an eternal life with our Lord and Savior. And He counted it joy.

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:2b NLT

Yes, we face challenges in life, in our families, in our ministries. When they come, what we do next shows the depth of our spiritual maturity. It shows the relationship with our Savior. And it shows our trust in a God who loves us and wants the best for us. With Jesus we can say, “Nevertheless …. ”

The Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Ephesus, “Get rid of all bitterness …. ” That’s pretty straightforward. Let the challenges of the day motivate us to serve better, love others better, and share the hope of the Gospel better.

Better, not bitter.

God’s best,