#391 – It’s A Reality

Good morning people who have accepted Christ

Life, as we would explain it, is often not fair. The truth is bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. This can often cause us frustration because in our minds it shouldn’t be this way.

Luke 16:19-25 There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.”

What a vivid picture. Here’s a man who lived like a king here on earth yet his choices separated him from God for eternity. Yes he had a good life while he was here but I’m sure he regretted his decisions later. Another man who suffered greatly was now enjoying comfort and the eternal presence of God.

Today I encourage us to firstly accept that life does not always go according to our plans. There will be contradictions and pain in our lives. Coming to Christ doesn’t mean coming to comfortable living. This is a false doctrine and one that unfortunately pervades much of Christendom today.

One of the necessary tools to help us through the guaranteed difficult seasons of life is to think about our eternity. Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If so, one day you will be comforted in the presence of Jesus. For the present, life may be challenging, but never forget God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Emmanuel, God is with us, even through the challenges.