Giving Thanks…Even for Shattered Dreams!

All young boys dream of their lives in heroic terms. I was no exception. Nor have I thoroughly outgrown this childhood fantasy.
But it should be said that most of our biblical heroes lived tragic lives of shattered dreams. For instance, Moses didn’t make it to the promised land. David didn’t build the temple, nor did he step foot in it. Elijah’s ministry ended in exile. Peter was crucified. Paul was killed. John was deserted on an island.
I, on the other hand, have sought to write my own more satisfying script. I imagine and I always envision happiness and heroism in the final chapter. In my mind, my life ends with the completion of many goals and then the inevitable and proverbial riding off into the sunset. I imagine myself finally aging in a front porch swing next to my bride, Ellen, with periodic visits from young folks seeking and soliciting my wisdom.
Laughable, huh…
Truth is, I sometimes believe that I am entitled to that kind of resolution. I’m a helpless believer in happily ever after. And I sometimes erroneously think that faith is the sacred formula for securing that kind of affirmative final chapter. Never do I envisage burning stakes, angry mobs, or betrayal from friends.
I sometimes wonder why God does not ensure the certitude of happy resolution in this life. Is not the Bible the Divine formula and prescription for our joy and contentment? Are we not promised, that if we live in a certain way, that if we walk on the suggested path of wisdom and righteousness, that our lives will be better, abundant and prosperous? Did not Christ come that we might have life and life more abundantly?
If this is true then we must explain the aforementioned heroes of the faith. We must account for the book of Hebrews showcase of exemplary persons who suffered to the end in indescribable ways - whose lives finished miserably at the hands of wicked oppressors.
It is true that Joseph’s injustice led to spiritual redemption. It is true that Job’s suffering ended with greater blessing and deeper understanding. But they were the lucky ones. It is also true that some folk’s lives ended tragically for no apparent higher purpose or outcome.
I remember when our childhood home burst into flames, just months after the death of my Father. Sitting on embankment, my bowed head in clasped hands as the flames grew higher, I pondered the purposes of a sovereign God - who conforms everything to His purpose and will. "What possible purpose did he have for me through this pain?" I thought.
I also remember the seemingly senseless passing of my first son.
I recall the difficult demise of everything I owned and had built in a 100 year storm.
I recollect the unnecessary termination of many friendships in the course of a long ministry.
And so, it is true that sometimes life hurts for no reason that we can imagine. I have learned one thing through this though - that we were never meant to envision permanent dwelling in this place nor to have enduring affections for this life. In addition to discovering the temporal nature of all things on this side of the Jordan, we find the permanence and higher quality of His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of an otherwise miserable existence, His love and enduring faithfulness has become for me my only real home. In other words, it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning…I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams.
Moreover, as a result of these trials and many other disappointments, I have come to visualize my life as being hidden in the life of another - a vicarious life - where true heroism is finally and fully found.
So, today I say again that I feel thankful. Deeply so.
"Why?" you might say…
Not because my life is blessed, as many would quantify blessing.
Above all else, I am thankful to be an adopted son of my own personal Hero, who loves perfectly and perpetually - Abba Father.
I am thankful to know, that due to the heroism of King Jesus, no single sin from my deeply flawed life is registered in God’s ledger.
I am thankful, that through His suffering and sacrifice, my Hero extends eternal hope beyond the grave.
I am thankful that on that day, I will wear my Hero’s robe in my new and luxurious home.

I am thankful to know, that in this life, my Hero watches over my every breath, my every move, my every thought with sovereign care and abundant mercy.
I am thankful to be the humble and temporary under-hero of a beautiful quiver full of children and the undeserving partner of a sweet and gentle woman who enables and supports me in simple service to my Savior.
No matter how my life ends - whether in pain or in prosperity - I know that it will return to its Source. I so long for that day. And through faith I know that it will come. Until it comes, I hope that you will continue to be the encouragement that you already are to me…that I might persevere in His grace and in His purposes!
May you all enjoy Him in His fullness during this season of Thanksgiving and rejoice in the one gift that is greater than any and all others. May we together glorify Him - the only real Hero the world has ever known.