Failing Faith Causing You Hardships?

What a whirlwind couple of months for the entire world! The deepest recession America has experienced since the Great Depression has sent the entire world into a tail-spin of fear and financial panic. In the month of December, over 250,000 Americans became unemployed amidst an environment where jobs are fewer and home foreclosures are at an all time high.


Will the downfallen turn away from the Lord feeling forsaken and forgotten? Does the gospel teach that the trials, pains, and hardships we face in life indicate that they have befallen us occur because of our lack of faith?


The "Prosperity" based gospel is one that indicates that both of these are true. This is not what Christ taught, however. If you believe that as a follower of Christ you are entitled to a first class lifestyle, then I encourage you to review this article explaining the fallacy of this view point.

<
Let me ask you this. Did Jesus lead a luxurious lifestyle? Which of his disciples spoke of their 401k or worldly investment strategies? None of them would have been welcome into a modern country club. None of them set an example of storing up piles of gold so they could dole it out when they encountered the needy. The examples we've been given to follow teach us to lead a life of service to others, to become detached from worldly possessions. They repeatedly teach us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, and that we should not only expect hardships like those that many are facing today, but we should rejoice in them as an opportunity to demonstrate our faith in God.


I'm not saying the thought of losing your house, your job, your car, or putting your family into financial straights isn't a terrifying one. I'm saying that this is a worldly reminder that as humans we do not have the control over our circumstances that we often believe we do. I'm saying that now is the time for those in trouble and those still solvent should be leaning on the Lord more than ever and serving to fulfill his purpose, not our own.


The Prosperity Gospel belief that faith and words oblige God to help you places your self image as equal or greater than the creator of the universe, and that is down right illogical. The gifts you receive from the Lord are exactly that, gifts. They're gifts you don't deserve, but gifts that are given by a loving and patient creator who has plans for your life.


How have you been using those gifts? Are you serving others? Are you seeing the Lord work through you in those endeavors? Take some time this week to think about how God is working in your life, and how you're working for him.


In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16


We have an opportunity now to really help others! Now is the greatest opportunity in this century to fulfill one of the simplest requests of our savior, Jesus Christ. He doesn't say let your light so shine so that you can earn your first class ticket. He doesn't want you to look good for your friends and neighbors. He wants you to follow the example He set for us, and give glory and thanks to God, and you know what? You can DO IT!!


Today's Prayer:


Lord, thank you so much for the example you gave us. I love you, and I am so thankful to you for all the gifts you have given me yesterday, today, and will provide tomorrow. Father, please be with those who are fearful in these trying times. I ask that you give me the opportunity to see those who need your Word spoken into their lives, those who need the gospel...the good news...that can only be found by placing their lives and wills in your hands. Help me to shine before men, to mirror your glory and to accomplish the tasks you have set before me.

Amen.