What If?

Whether it is the popular televangelist or the average church experience, God is commonly presented as the "Cosmic Santa Claus" Apparently if I need a bigger house, more money, even more money, or better health, God can solve it. While this is very true and there are those who have experienced this, there are also those that do not gain any of these things. 

Because these things are promoted so much, the danger is that one can become so discouraged and even lose faith in God's existence because their 'needs' are apparently not being met.

Does God want to give me good things? I believe that answer is yes. But there is something that He wants us to have far more than the other things. That thing is his own presence living in us.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. -John15:4-5

When we accept the merits of Christ, believing that his work of dying for our wrongs has granted us access to eternal life with God, He personally lives within us and guides us just as He did with his disciples on earth(John14:16-19) 

Yes God desires our good health and as a loving creator, it's logical that he wants us to be satisfied financially...

but what if these things do not happen?

What if your health does not get better though you pray constantly?

What if you seem to be persecuted more and more each day?

What if you never get the new house on the hill?

What if the dream husband/wife does not come?

Though God CAN do all these things and he does take care of the needs.(not always the wants) the question is "Will I forget God if these things are not met in my life"

Here is an example from one of my favorite Christian theologians, Paul.

 ...in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine owncountrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. - 2Corinthians11:23-30

Why did Paul glory in his weaknesses? The answer can be found in the next chapter.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians12:7-9

He realized that though God can give him things, he would rather have his abiding presence and live in the "power of Christ"
On your journey in life, seek out who God is first rather than material things which you cannot even take with you out of this life. For Heaven is not just things, Heaven is the experience with a person.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew6:25,33
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. - John14:1-3

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. - Psalm73:25-26


M.O