We think that happiness is important; we think it’s so important that it’s a part of the Declaration of Independence. (Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are considered inalienable rights.). But what if God wants more for you than just your happiness? What if God wants you to be holy and blessed more than He wants you to be happy? What if what God wants for you is better for you than just being happy? But, what if God’s best for us means we have to be unhappy sometimes? Are we still willing to trust and follow God even if what’s best for us doesn’t always make us happy?

“It’s the thought that counts” has been used to excuse untold late birthday gifts, poorly done projects and careless words. Sadly, many who claim to follow Jesus have the same sentiment when it comes to their walk of faith. We often tell ourselves that as long as we believe in our hearts, then what we say or do – or what we neglect to say or do – doesn’t matter. God knows our hearts so we’re OK. But Jesus makes it clear that a faith that does not result in a changed life is really no faith at all.

It’s popular to think that choosing to follow Jesus will solve all our problems; health, financial, relational, you name. it. We tell ourselves that if we believe in Jesus, go to church, and do all the right things, he will make our lives easier. But nowhere in the Bible are we promised an easy life in return for choosing to follow Jesus. In fact, Jesus promised just the opposite. He said we would have trouble in this world. But he also said that he had overcome the world. Following Jesus doesn’t make our lives easier, but it always makes them better.