“A Bitter Pill to Swallow…”

 “A bitter pill to swallow” refers to a situation or piece of news that is unpleasant or difficult to accept.  This idiom is often shortened to ‘a bitter pill’.  http://www.englishcoursemalta.com/learn/daily-idiom-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow/

Free Dictionary defines it as: An unpleasant fact, disappointment, or humiliation that is difficult to endure. For example, Failing the bar exam was a bitter pill to swallow, but he plans to try again next year. http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/bitter+pill+to+swallow

We often think of this when we have to take medicine that tastes awful, but will provide positive results.

Professionally, it can be not getting the promotion because the other person was more equipped than you (education, experience).

Personally, it could be informed of the need to reschedule an appointment because you arrived too late.

Physically, it could be disappointment of not losing weight this week when you never exercised or stayed on your eating plan.

Parentally, it could be your child not making the soccer team because you allowed her to miss too many practices.

Financially, it could be not closing on the house you wanted due to being out-bid from another buyer.

Politically, it could be your frustration over a candidate’s win/loss by a tiny margin when, in fact, you didn’t vote.

Spiritually, the Bible could be described as “a bitter pill to swallow.” God requires us to be obedient. He didn’t tell us that we’d enjoy it. He did promise that it would be worth it.

The Bible says:

Psalm 37:34 (NKJV): 34 Wait on the Lord, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Micah 6:8 (NKJV):  8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you; But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV):  8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV): 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Romans 12:2-3 (NKJV):  2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

John 14:15 (NKJV):  15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t go outside of obeying God to get something, because you will have to stay outside of God to keep it.”

“Selective obedience brings selective blessings.” – Jorg Klebigat

“A lie doesn’t become truth; wrong doesn’t become right; and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by the majority.”

“Don’t let others distract you from what God has already told you to do.”

Although being obedient can be “a bitter pill to swallow,” it will be worth it in the end.