Wimps Need Not Apply

There was a story told of a patient at the dentist’s office who tried to enlighten her fear by listing her middle name as “Wimp.” After a little while, the receptionist stepped into the waiting room and said, “The doctor will now see the Wimp.” Four people stood up. The dentist office is not the only place where some people are prone to be wimps. Some people wimp out in the face of pain and suffering. But there are two truths that have become clear. First, pain has become a reality of life. The Bible and human experience make it clear that sooner or later we all do some suffering. There is a 100% chance of rain as regards to the storms and problems of life. Second, not everyone responds to these problems the same way. To put it bluntly, some people suffer not only more than others, but some suffer better than others. At the first sign of hardship some people just wimp out. They moan and groan and never let up. But others, after the initial and normal response to shock, began to face their suffering with resolve and determination of courage.

John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up any way.” That’s what Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus struggled desperately in the Garden, falling on His face and praying repeatedly that if possible, “let this cup pass from me.” But Jesus did not wimp out in the Garden. He wrestled in prayer until He could finally say, “Not my will but thy will be done.” It takes courage to do God’s will, especially when God’s will is in conflict with what you want. It takes courage to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Wimps need not apply.