Being okay when everything is not okay

s I look back over my life in the church world, I've known many lonely and sad people. Two things that I am puzzled about are the ones who are unsure of their salvation; and the ones who simply don't expect God's blessing or joy. That's a setup for sadness.

Forgiveness and eternal life are the believers' ultimate goal. I know that, but here on earth God also wants us to enjoy our life as a Christian. These unhappy Christians know all the doctrines and teachings of their church. They are faithful to attend church. They often believe in healing and are often good teachers and preachers, but somehow earthly blessings evade their believe system.

As you well know, some Christians live in defeat. Believe me, I've been down and discouraged before, too. But I'll never forget what a former pastor used to say, "You may find me down, but you'll also see me getting back up". That's a good attitude to live by.

If a father beats a child every time he's around, would the child want to spend time with him? Of course not. You absolutely must believe God is on your side and He is working all things for your good. There may be times that it won't look like He is blessing us, but if we stand in faith, and in expectation of His favor and goodness, we will feel His hand as it silently sweeps over our life. Paul said, "I would that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 Jn 1:2).

Why is it so hard to believe the same God who can heal cancer, can also give you peace and fill you with joy? Or, that the same God wants you to prosper and pay your bills? Or, that the same God wants to comfort you and pull you out of depression? God cares as much about our mental health as he does our physical health. He said he came to give us life, "and that more abundantly" (Jn 10:10).

It's not about having thousands of dollars in a bank account, but it is about having enough (and being wise) with what He gives us. It's about not living in fear of your utilities being turned off because you can't pay your electric or gas bill.

It is about working and doing our part, and then expecting God to bless the work of our hands. You must KNOW the same God who saves you, also provides your food and your joy.

This is not to say we don't have troubles as a Christian because we will, but I definitely believe we receive more strength when we believe His promised blessing.

A wonderful promise to believe in is Eph 3:20 -" Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory..". In that verse, Paul is talking about knowing how much God loves you. He wants us to know how deep his love is. How wide his love is. How tall his love is and how long his love is. Basically, he says its our believe in the immeasurable love of God that makes a difference in our joy. Knowing the magnitude of God's love makes it possible to be okay even when everything is not okay.