One of the “side effects” of being a Christ-follower is the temptation to be less than real. To pretend that everything is okay. But, as we all know, such is not the case. To expect a trouble-free life is ludicrous. As Tripp says:

Real faith never calls me to swindle myself into thinking that things are better than they are. Biblical faith is shockingly honest and hopeful.

There is a tendency to pretend. For some reason those who follow Jesus have been duped into believing and sharing and saying that “all is well.” We are or seem to be afraid that to show weakness, to show a faith struggle, to show any sign of vulnerability is bad. To go along with that is the heretical word of faith movement that says, “God wants you healthy and wealthy. Just name it and claim it and it’s yours.” That’s simply not true! God never promised us ease.

The faith of the Bible will never call me to deny reality in any way. The faith of the Bible is so in awe of the grandeur and glory of God that it is able to look at the darkest of realities in life and not be afraid.

“Father, you have never asked me to pretend. You have never hidden the harshness of following You. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego are a perfect example. ‘Our God will deliver us, but even if not we will not bow down.’ True to You= furnace.  Help me stand firm even in the harshest of times. And help me not to pretend.”