And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’ Matthew 26:26-27 NKJV
Comment
Grain must be ground, baked into bread and then broken into pieces before it’s given to feed the hungry. Grapes only become wine after they’ve been thoroughly squeezed. When we are that grain or those grapes, it’s painful.
The wonderful thing is, before allowing us to be ground or broken or pressed, Jesus first blesses us. Suffering is no picnic, but he frames it with blessings. In his hands once we’ve been blessed and broken, we can become a feast for others. As a by-product, we find afterward that we are closer to him.
How is God allowing you to be broken? Where do you see his blessing in this?
Prayer (as a couple)
Heavenly Father, in the midst of hard things in our lives, help us to recognise your hand of blessing. Give us grace to stand firm, knowing that you want to bless us with this and eventually to bless others through us.
Prayer (for others)
Lord Jesus, we especially pray for _______ and _______. They are going through such a tough time right now. We pray they will sense how close you are to them and will become aware of your blessing them.
Quote
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Cor 1:3-4 NIV
