Happily Ever After

I just want to be happy! How many times have you uttered those words? I have had so many conversations and received both emails and comments from single women that indicate they just simply want to be happy. I have even found myself nodding in agreement because I so empathize with this sentiment. Heck, I’ve even said it myself about a million times. However, as I continue to grow in my Christian walk I have come to the conclusion that while that may be the goal of my flesh, it is NOT the goal of my Heavenly Father.

There seems to be a great misconception among Christians (myself included!) that we are supposed to be happy and live each day without any issues. I’m not sure how we acquired this sense of entitlement, but it seems to be causing many of us the inability to enjoy life. It is as if we have blotted out the words in our Bible that says…

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” - I Peter 4:12

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” - I Peter 1:6

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” - James 1:2-4

“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” - Proverbs 24:10

Have we forgotten that many of the great biblical examples that we’ve been encouraged to learn from all endured difficulties?

• Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son

• Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused & thrown into jail

• The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years

• Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den

• Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace

• David was anointed king but had to hide out because Saul sought to kill him

• Job lost it all, family, money, health and found no comfort in his friends who told him it was all his fault

• Mary & Martha’s brother died while they were awaiting the arrival of their friend (Jesus) who deliberately delayed when He heard Lazarus was sick

• Paul was shipwrecked and thrown into jail

• Jesus (who knew no sin) was crucified for our sins

You see being a Christian doesn’t guarantee happiness. In fact, if history is any indication we can be assured that we will endure many unhappy moments in this Christian life. However, in each of the examples above as well as all those mentioned throughout the Bible we learn that despite their trial or difficulties there was a greater master plan at work.

Despite the unpleasantries we must know and trust that God loves us and most of all that He is still in control. He allows difficulties to conform us to His image that He may be glorified. Those of us who call ourselves Christians, should have the same goal…to be like Christ. So as hard and as painful as it may be to accept this, God’s desire is not to make us happy, it is to make us holy (set apart for use by God).

“You shall be holy for I the LORD your God am holy.” - Leviticus 19:2

Because we live in the world and in this flesh we often get confused about our goal and what’s really most important. There is nothing wrong with being happy, but as Christians our goal is not to live happily ever after here on earth, our goal is to have joy (despite our circumstances) and to live eternally with Christ. Remember this is not our home, heaven is our home. We want to get so comfortable down here that we forget it’s only temporary.

God does love you and He wants what’s best for you, but your happiness, my happiness, is not the foremost priority. We have been called to make disciples, to worship Him, to be salt and light here on earth.

It is possible to live happily ever after, but the solution does not require marriage, it will require us to take our focus off of ourselves and live for Christ. I’m not saying it will be easy because we will continue to battle our flesh, but what if we spent our lives trying to make God happy rather than only requesting that He make us happy? Imagine what great works we could accomplish for the Kingdom!

“…he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do…” – John 14:12

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