A scan of the religious TV channels and the usual programing would lead you to believe that if you are a good Christians, giving those $1,000 checks of seed money, that life is smooth sailing. They promise everything from supernatural debt cancellation to a get out of jail free card.

Unfortunately, it is not only the gullible audiences of the “name it and claim it” preachers with bad hair who buy into the idea that faith in God is a ticket out of trouble. Does anyone read the Bible? Let’s see now…. Oh, remember Jesus? He was the best of guys and the most religious folks in town demanded that he be executed. So, a typical, spineless politician bowed to the pressure of the latest poll and he was crucified.

Sometime read the 11th chapter of Hebrews (that is in the Bible..) and learn about the people of faith down through history. They were commended as righteous because they took God at his word, like Abraham and Sarah. They stopped the mouths of lions and women had their dead raised back to life, and more….

But, there is more…

“Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38)

I have an idea! Why don’t I start a TV show promising these things for those who follow God in faith? How popular would that be? But, there is the inspired record. Following Jesus, living by faith, has absolutely no promise of good health, perfect kids, a steady job, or a lack of big time trouble.

The myth is only that, a myth. The evidence of faith in God is not the absence of trouble, but it is peace and joy in the midst of it. So, don’t beat yourself up when the doctor tells you it’s cancer, or you get that dreaded call in the night.. You likely haven’t done anything wrong, it’s just life, and life isn’t fair.

One of the best Christians who ever lived was the Apostle Paul. He was beat up, run out-of-town, ship wrecked, and on and on. He had plenty of troubles including spending years in prison. He saw the big picture! He called his troubles “Light and momentary”. How is that for a good attitude?

So my friend, when the rain doesn’t come and the crop dries up, when you lose your job and your house, and Mom might not make it ’til tomorrow night, keep believing in God. Keep walking by faith. There is something better coming.

We must be like Abraham who was looking for a place to live not made with human hands. This life is only a dress rehearsal, the eternal show starts some tomorrow. Keep you chin up and your trust in Jesus, the hard times don’t compare to the glory that awaits. I’ll promise you this, you might not be delivered out of all your troubles but, God will be in your trouble with you. When its your turn to be thrown into the furnace or the lions den, don’t worry, God will be right there with you in the middle of your worst difficulty. You just have to acknowledge his presence.

Agape’

Royce