The Best Is Yet To Come

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. "Usually a host serves the best wine first," he said. "Then, when everyone is full and doesn't care, he brings out the less expensive wines. But you have kept the best until now!" (John 2:9-10, NLT)

I am praying for an individual who begins radiation treatments this week. The doctors have prescribed the treatments as necessary and described possible side-effects. It doesn't take much imagination to realize that someone going through radiation must find courage to endure the process and the belief that the process will yield positive results. To manage the challenges of life, we need to look beyond the present and believe the best is yet to come. Our belief produces either a negative or positive mindset and behavior.

The gospel of John gives the message that the best is yet to come. Study the wedding at Cana that Jesus attended. Traditionally the bridegroom provided the wine and food at the wedding. The master of ceremonies points out that the bridegroom saved the best wine for last. John may have included this scene in the introduction of the ministry of Christ, "God with us," as a symbol of the dawning of a new era. That said, a tension remains between what is experienced and what is yet to come. The underlying message could be translated as "this moment is good . . . but the best is yet to come."

Assess your mindset and behavior.
Refuse to give up when the going gets tough.
Look at your circumstances through the window of promise.
Develop your mindset and behavior around the precept . . . "the best is yet to come."

Learning with you to believe the best is yet to come,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)