“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.� was the illustration Mama Gump gave her son Forrest while trying to explain to him why she was dying. How many of us have repeated that beloved movie phrase when trying to explain life’s “why’s�? Some prefer to use the card game comparison: “We’ve all been dealt a different hand.� Shrek tried to explain to Donkey that his life was like an onion; having many layers! We all have symbols, images, and metaphors with which we compare life.

Jesus’ parables were filled with metaphors and life comparisons. He sought the easiest way to help us understand life in Him and the way to eternal life. He shared with us the symbols he lived by. One of these symbols is a cup. While in the Garden praying, Jesus asked that God remove from Him “this cupâ€� (Luke 22:42) â€" the hand that he had been dealt; the cup that had been filled and must be drunk. Jesus would suffer with this cup, He anguished at the thought of it. (Luke 22:44) Jesus’ life was wrapped up in that cup. Accepting this cup meant rejection, loneliness and humiliation. In verse 43, we see that an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him! Jesus chose to accept that cup. He chose the path of forgiveness, love, and mercy in the face of death. He is our ultimate example in life and death.

We will all come to a moment in our lives when we will have to consider the life we have lived; the choices we made; the paths we took. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done differently? What mattered most? BUT, we still have life ahead of us! So the question instead is: “How can I live differently?� “What matters most?� I hope that in the end the answer is: Jesus. Live the rest of your time on earth for Jesus. He already accepted the “hand you were dealt� for you, and He paid your debt! It doesn’t matter what “chocolate� you choose because all will be sweet when you have Jesus! Fill each “layer� with the promise of God’s Eternal life for you by allowing Jesus to be the ultimate Symbol of your life. It will be a life worth living!

Suggested Prayer: “I love you, Lord, for your mercy never fails me. All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands. From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. ‘Cause all my life You have been faithful and all my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God!â€�² Amen.

1. Psalm 16:11 (ESV).

2. “Goodness of God� Song by CeCe Winans.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.