Isn't it true that everyone on some level desires to experience happiness, health and prosperity? Of course it is, I mean honestly who wouldn't want these things? Especially when life seems to throw us a few hard knocks.
But Christians need to stop and realize that we need to mature, and just like in the natural world we cannot stay babies forever. Unfortunately this maturing process also may involve some spiritual pruning so-to-speak. And this pruning can be a little painful but the rewards are great! Jesus said “my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, but not as the world giveth, give I unto you; let not your hearts be troubled nor let them be afraid. John 14:27. What Jesus is emphasizing here is that his peace lasts throughout the worst kinds of trouble and circumstances. God often uses these situations and circumstances to mould and shape us. It is in these trying times that we learn to become more patient and compassionate to others, these things are of eternal value! They help us to grow as Christians and as people overall. Now the world seems to have remedies for everything! Notice the words “seems to have remedies” this is because they often just cover or mask a deeper problem “sin” and only Jesus could solve that problem on the cross! Deep breathing, yoga and positive thinking claims to solve almost any problem. Now of course these things can help and are great tools for stress but they cannot replace our foundation in Christ. Our hope has to be anchored solely in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Jesus died on the cross so that we can experience joy even in the worst of times. When Jesus was suffering on that rugged cross, feeling rejected and in agony, his mind focused on the joy that was set before him! This joy emanated from the fact that he had finally bridged the gap between God and man, how beautiful is that? No other man could've done it. Yes he truly was the God-man! So yes we all want happiness, health and prosperity but let us always remember the fact that no matter how much we grow financially, emotionally, or physically life here is temporary and it is pale in comparison to the life to come!
This is not meant to downgrade life or deny the fact that God wants us to prosper and live in health right here and now, that is God’s will; instead it is meant to help us appreciate the fact that heaven compared to earth is heaven! The Bible says that as Christians we are seated in the heavenlies, this is positionally speaking. The minute you were born again your spirit sat down in the heavenlies with Jesus. You see heaven is our real home not this natural earth we are now living in. And deep down we all yearn to be home, in an existence without sin, troubles or worries. The apostle Paul said that we live in earthly tents that will be taken down one day and replaced with heavenly bodies that will exist for eternity, that fact is so thrilling and so exhilarating! There is nothing on this earth that can compare to it!
So the next time you find yourself yearning for more out of life or meditating on how to be successful, stop and think to yourself that God loves you! And that no mind can conceive what he has in store for those that love him! That thought will give you lasting peace. God bless you my friends!
By Gordon E. Dawe
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