Happy always takes the easy road...

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:8-9

Listening to Tracy yesterday deliver the message that he was called to share so many things came rushing to my head. Tracy wasn't Bible-thumpin'. He was telling us what we should do or how we should do it. He spent his brief time with our congregation explaining what Paul meant in this letter to Timothy; how it was that Paul could ask someone he considered his son to join in his suffering.

The world has painted Christianity as some social or even political salvation. Our society has shoved Christianity into a box that's labeled - the Happy Life. As Christians, everything is supposed to go right. As if magically somehow when we accept Christ, the perfect job is given, one that can pay all the bills, and our road is mark with good fortune. We mystically have everything work out for us and we have no worries. This is such a crock! It's a lie that the evil one has masterfully conned our culture into believing with even some Christians proclaiming it.

Satan has set up so many people to fail at this thing called faith, this religion called Christianity. He has sold them a bill of goods; a bill of happiness. So what logically happens when the happiness isn't there. They turn and run and blame it on God. "This wasn't what I was promised!" "This isn't what I signed on for!" "My life with you God is supposed to be easy!"

Oh, how my heart ached during Tracy's message! Suffering happens! It's guaranteed! There's no way out of it and there's no way around it. This is why it is so important to have a relationship with Christ. With Christ there is always a way through it! And there is always a promise of something coming from our suffering.

God never once calls us to a life of happiness, don't be tricked! Don't let a trap door be sprung on your faith! As Paul says we were called to a holy life, a life set apart solely for the purposes of God. Tracy said something like, "Happy always takes the easy road. Holy takes the road that needs to be taken no matter the cost."

Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Paul understood that there is suffering and pain in our lives. But he also understood and believed that with Christ he could do (make it through) anything - all things.