Bitter or Better

The bad things that come at us out of the blue often feel so incredibly unfair. Life throws something at you, I mean something that really hurts, and you think to yourself, "What the … why me?" So, the last time something bad happened to you, what impact did it have on your life? After surviving the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty in 1789, Captain William Bligh returned to England a hero—but he never let go of the humiliation. Convinced he'd been wronged, he became increasingly authoritarian and bitter. Given another command in the Australian colony of New South Wales, his harsh, domineering leadership sparked yet another revolt—the Rum Rebellion—the only successful armed takeover of an Australian government in history. Bligh's brilliance as a navigator was overshadowed by his obsessive need to defend his reputation. Instead of learning from the mutiny, he nursed his wounds, alienated his allies, and allowed his unresolved bitterness to define his life. Bitterness is an all-too-natural response to pain. In the short term, sure, it's entirely completely understandable. But when we allow it to fester in our hearts, it'll destroy us. Which is why … 2 Timothy 1:7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control Look, when bad stuff happens, you can either become bitter or better. It's that simple. And God wants to make you better, not just healing the gaping wound of pain, but transforming you through the very Presence of His Spirit within you, replacing the fear, the bitterness, the negativity with His power, His love, His ability for you to exercise the most incredible self-control. That's what the Holy Spirit would do for you. But it's your choice. Bitter, or better. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.