Contrary to Common Thought... Following G^d Not Aways Joyous!

Somehow, I along with MANY fellow Christians, came to believe that following the Christ would be jolly good fun.

NOT!

Some Health and Wealth proponents would have us believe that G^d's plan for us is universally joyous.  Remember, "God has a wonderful plan for your life"?

Well, that is TRUE, but our translation of "Wonderful" is often wrong.  We interpret "wonderful to be "Happy, healthy, wealthy, content, satisfied, fulfilled".

NOT!

There is absolutely NO Scriptural basis to believe that G^d has a life of ease and pleasure in mind for us.  What do these names bring to mind?

• The Prophet Jeremiah,
• The Exile Daniel,
• David, while being chased by his son who was trying to kill him,
• Hosea, married to a prostitute,
• The Apostle Paul being shipwrecked, beaten, threatened, tried, and ultimately killed for his faith,
• Early Christians being burned alive in Nero's garden,
• Detrich BonHoeffer.

Hmm, hardly the cushy life promised to, and expected by, many Believers in this day and age.

And how about me?  I hate to admit it, but somehow I had come to believe that Christians, when following G^d, ought to be happy, happy, happy.

NOT!

We may well be happy in following Christ, but it is NOT a cause and effect.  We may be tired, persecuted, even martyred.  But it is WORTH it.  But that thought requires FAITH.

"I believe, help thou my unbelief!"

Indeed.