Happily Ever After

Well, we signed all the papers last week and so the house is officially up for sale. However, we were told not to expect many lookers let alone a quick sale. In fact, I'm still waiting for the "for sale sign" to go up in the front yard. I'll be honest here...my first thought was "Lord, You couldn't have picked a worse time economically to move us. Couldn't you have called Tom into ministry a couple of years ago before the housing market took a nose dive?" Miracle of God, my thoughts returned to His Word and the truth about life here in this world. In John 16:33, Jesus assures me that in this world I WILL have tribulation (* trouble, affliction, to crush, press, compress, squeeze, to break). But, how often do I buy into the lie that I should live happily ever after in this world or at least happily most of the time? Too often I forget where I am. I forget that this world:
> Is ruled by satan (John 12:31), and
> Lies in satan’s power(1 John 5:19).

I forget the ruler of this world is:
> The devil and Satan (Revelation 20:2(a)).
> The serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9(a).
> A murderer from the beginning…does not stand in the truth….Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).
> My adversary who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Nope, no happily ever after in this world. How could I forget? I get distracted by all the world has to offer. Pretty things that sparkle, shine, seemingly satisfy some desire within me, and often have pointed toes, tiny little heels and a hefty price tag. Is anybody here with me? The next thing I know, I start thinking that being blessed by God means comfort, ease, happiness, good times and selling a house quickly. So, when I think like this and trouble comes, I act as though some strange thing were happening to me. "Why me? What have I done?" I forget that God in His Word tells me that He uses these troubles to test me and test my faith (1 Peter 4:12; James 1:1-4). Nope, there's no happily ever after in this world, trouble WILL come. And, as a follower of Christ, every day in this world is a test! Will I pass?

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! Psalm 32:1

*Greek word definition