We think of "faith" as being confident in how God works in our lives. I now believe that God is immeasurably less concerned with our day-to-day earthly existence than we are. Don't get me wrong: He absolutely loves us, wants what's best for us, and actively works for the good of those who truly love Him (Rom 8:28). But what does this actually mean or look like? Does it really matter where we work, where we live, or even whom we marry (or if we marry!)?
Anyone who has walked with God for a few decades will tell you that life has not turned out the way they expected. Why is this? I think it's because we're conditioned to expect "happily ever after" -- especially if we're walking with God. Sadly, this just isn't reality.
When I look back on my life thus far, I can see many times things didn't go the way I wanted them to; and, I can see how God worked through many of them for my good.
I think the problem is that we tend to think OT style: physical provision, protection, and blessings; but, NT style is primarily focused on spiritual provision, protection, and blessings. And it's very hard to appreciate the big-picture, long-term spiritual promises in the face of earthly, physical, in-your-face trials and suffering...especially when prayers seem to continue to go "unanswered."
BUT!
As we continue to fight the good fight (1 Tim 6:12, James 1:2-4), draw near to God (James 4:8), and set our minds and hearts on things above (Col 3:1-2), we begin to correct our understanding of what we are supposed to expect. In turn, we begin more and more to see it -- even if only after the fact. And the joy and peace that are ours only in Christ (Php 4:4, Php 4:7, Gal 5:22) become more and more part of who we are.
And then, Heaven. :)
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