Why Isn’t Life Cotton Candy & Cadillacs?

If God is good, then why isn’t life easier?

Why do followers of Jesus still get sick, lose jobs, face heartbreak, or sit at funerals of people they prayed would be healed?

Shouldn’t choosing to follow Christ mean the rest of life falls into place?

I think this may be a question we ask from time to time and it’s a fair question.

If we are honest with ourselves, deep down, we hope faith works like a spiritual vending machine: put in belief, get out blessing.

The real truth is somewhat different.

The Apostle Paul told the Romans: “If we are God’s children, we will receive blessings from God together with Christ. But we must suffer as Christ suffered so that we will have glory as Christ has glory.” (Romans 8:17 NCV)

In other words, the path to glory is paved with struggle, not because God is cruel, but because He’s refining us. He’s making us more like Jesus.

I remember when I was diagnosed with Leukemia. Full disclosure, I asked God “why” - and even “why now”? There’s nothing wrong with the question.

Jesus was honest about this type of perspective. He didn’t sugarcoat it. In fact, He said plainly: “In this world you will have troubles, but be brave! I have defeated the world!” (John 16:33 NCV).

Trouble isn’t a surprise to God, it’s part of the journey - our journey.

Let’s be somewhat real. If everything in life were “cotton candy and Cadillacs,” how often would we really seek God?

Comfort doesn’t usually lead to transformation. Pressure does. Growth does. The hard stuff drives us to our knees and opens our ears. There is rarely change until we are sufficiently disturbed - it’s just true.

When life falls apart, maybe God is doing a deeper work, one that doesn’t always show up on social media or a paycheck.

Maybe He’s shaping our hearts for something eternal or something more important.

“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3,4 NCV)

So here’s the big question: What if the pain you’re walking through isn’t punishment, but preparation? There is something we all need to learn and grow in.

What if your tears are watering the soil for something greater than you can imagine? For some, I know it’s hard to imagine. But what if … ?

What if God’s biggest blessing is not what He gives you, but what He makes of you? Or what He’s preparing for you or within you?

Life following Christ won’t always be easy. But it will always be worth it. Jesus never promised a life of ease, but He did promise His presence, His peace, and a future filled with glory (Romans 8:18).

So hang on. The road may be bumpy, but most bumpy roads lead to a breathtaking view. You just have to trust, believe and act on faith, as you and I walk with God. God himself says it’s worth it.

LORD, help us be obedient. Not out of a promise of blessing, but out of love. You make life better, but you are better than life. Help us desire you, not just the blessings you provide and a life of cotton candy and Cadillacs. IJNIP amen ♥️