Longing for a Wonderful Life

This is a central theme for our current adult class on Wednesday nights! Last week, we learned about hope.  This week, we will learn about peace. 

Who doesn't love the classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life? This movie is one we will watch every year as a tremendous reminder for us to appreciate the lives we have.  If you have not seen this, you should make a point to sit down and get lost in the story.


We meet George Bailey, a man who longs for things he does not have, a future that includes money, travel, and influence.   He was a man who continually thought about the things he was missing, but conflicted by what he knew was the right thing to do.  He would choose the right thing to do every time, but always deep down felt like he was getting kicked in the gut for doing so.

The climax of the story shows a misfortune of a mistake of an employee and the ruthlessness of a banker that causes George to face desperation.  He must get thousands of dollars by the end of the business day, or face potential arrest.  Thinking about the impact of a scandal and the lack of funds on his beloved family, he considered suicide and a life insurance payment to protect them.  Fortunately, God hears the prayers of the people who notice George's desperation.  He sent Clarence, "angel second class."

Clarence shows George what life would be like if he hadn't been around, indeed, what it might be like if he hadn't done all the right things to do.  George winds up really understanding the impact he has, and comes to his senses, just as his friends rally and get the money he needs.  His character spoke for himself, and all ends well.

Sometimes, I feel the longings for things I think I should have.  I feel frustrated when they never come to pass.  Year after year, waiting for longings can be harmful.  God knows the desires of our hearts.  He knows what we want, and He knows what we really need.  He knows how to use us to work His will and purpose in this world.  We just are not always privy to what He knows.  This is difficult at times, as we may feel we are being punished, but really are being used to serve a purpose for Him.

In the end, there is only one promise we can hold onto.  God's promise of a heavenly home for those who believe.  This is the base of my longing.  This is the hope that I live for.  I know that I will not be truly happy until I go "home." But, it is not time for me, just yet.  I still have a purpose here on earth.  I still choose to do the right thing until He comes.

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT)