The Good Life

What does that phrase mean? For us western, American Christians, there is often an expectation that life is supposed to be good and that God's blessings are primarily material. When the tough times come, we often feel like things are going wrong and that somehow we have fallen out of God's favor, either because of sin, or unhealthy thinking, or some other negative thing. But the apostles and prophets had it rough. They were often poor, persecuted, and killed. Listen to Hebrews discussion of what they went through.

and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

So if that is what God's followers have gone through, and they are right with God, why do we think that God plans for us to have it easy, be comfortable (financial or otherwise) and experience smooth sailing. How about this reminder from Peter.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

So, let's not be surprised when it gets hard or when things don't go easy. Suffering for the Christian is not a foreign, strange thing. It is normal.