My title for this devotion is Future: Reward vs Destruction.

As a pastor of 45+ years, I think one of the questions I have been asked the most is “Why do the unrighteous prosper and I, who is trying to follow God, don’t?” (or some variation of that).  It certainly is a conundrum when godly people watch as those who use, abuse, take advantage of, disregard, persecute, or run over others appear to get ahead.

I read that residents of some communities in Michigan’s UP are living in danger. In years past, thriving towns-like Negaunee, Iron River, and Marquette-grew up around the great iron mines that fueled the economy. These mines are huge caves carved beneath the surface of the earth so the ore could be taken out. But many of the timbers which supported these caverns are rotting and if/when they give away giant holes will develop and everything above will collapse.

My point is simple. While people may look at those who “seem” to have it all-with disdain or maybe even envy-one truth remains, it will collapse. All they have is a house of cards, and that house of cards will fall. With rotting foundations, their house won’t make it. In the end, they will have nothing. For further reference check out Matthew 7:24-27.

It is easy to find yourself questioning-wondering even-why them and not me? But their end is destruction.  It is much better to have little but have Jesus than to have much and not have Jesus. Hold fast. Stay strong!  Put your eyes on His prize! Build a solid foundation, one that will not collapse like a house of cards in the wind.

“Father, the lesson is for me also. Help me not to look longingly at what others have but to build my house on You. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You.”