When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
– Exodus 15:23

A man attending a Bible study requested prayer because he had gotten a promotion at work. He rejoiced over his new position, but he also felt apprehensive. A woman who had been with the firm much longer would now report to him. He said, “I know God has placed me in this position. However, this is going to be a bitter pill for this woman to swallow.”

Most of us dislike taking medicine. If its taste is bitter, it’s even worse. Many of us also have found ourselves in similar situations. We may have received a promotion and been placed in charge of a group of people who have been with the company longer than we have. Or perhaps a new manager, whom we feel lacks ability, steps onto the scene.

Regardless of the scenario, remember that God has a plan for your life. He has chosen this point in time for you to shine and not to appear dark and gloomy. He may place you in a role of leadership where you are forced to make decisions you never thought you could or would make. Or He may have allowed you to be bypassed for a promotion you believed was yours.

At times, each one of us can view life from an unrealistic perspective. We see ourselves climbing social or corporate ladders without hitting a snag or facing many problems. In our dream, if we do come up on problem areas, we tell ourselves that we are equipped to handle each one. But we can’t, and God knows it. He allows us to face extreme difficulty in order to teach us that we need His help and strength.

A bitter person becomes critical and unwilling to work with others. A godly person accepts God’s will, knowing that there will be another opportunity up ahead. When God asks you to swallow a bitter pill, be willing to do it. In the end, this one act of surrender could turn into a tremendous source of blessing and hope.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @Tonyevans.org