Walk the Walk

Why does obedience sometimes feel like punishment while sin seems rewarded?

Tina Perry

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Introduction: Why Are They Winning?

Speaker 1

Hello and welcome to Walk the Walk . Today's episode is why Are they Winning ? Now , today's episode is for ones who have looked around and thought this just doesn't seem fair . It's for those of us who have prayed , obeyed , fasted , tithed and still find ourselves struggling , waiting , barely holding on while others , who openly sin , mock righteousness and casually carry the title Christian , seem to be thriving

The Confusion: Sinners Seem to Thrive

Speaker 1

. Let's be real . Sometimes it feels like the people doing everything wrong are the ones winning . God , can we talk about that ? Because I'm confused . I see people doing whatever they want , sleeping around , lying , living for themselves . Not only do they call themselves Christians , but they're very successful . Oh , their businesses blow up , their social media is blessed , their life looks shiny .

Speaker 1

Meanwhile , people who really try to follow you , lord , are tired , broke , sick , lonely and grieving and wondering why obedience feels like punishment , and wondering why obedience feels

God's Response: Temporary vs Eternal

Speaker 1

like punishment . My child , you're not the first to ask this and you won't be the last . I know I've read the Psalms , lord . I've seen David cry out . Why do the wicked prosper ? But I guess I didn't think it would hit this close to home . You're seeing a snapshot . I'm painting the full picture . You see what they post . I see what they carry . You see the fruit of shortcuts , but you don't see the root of consequences coming . But , lord , it just seems like people who don't even try to honor you are living better than those who do .

Speaker 1

Temporary ease is not eternal favor . Not every blessing comes from me . Some are allowed as a test . Not every struggle is punishment . Some are refining fire . I discipline those I love and , yes , I let some people have their reward now . But , child , what I'm preparing for you is bigger than right now .

Speaker 1

So this pain is not punishment . No , it's preparation , it's proof you belong to me . And when it feels like you're losing , remember you're storing up something that moth and rust can't touch . They may shine here , but you will shine in heaven . So I shouldn't measure my obedience by what I can see . No , measure it by who . I'm making you into the path of righteousness is not easy , but it is holy and it is worth it . I needed that today

Closing: Not All That Glitters

Speaker 1

. I don't know if you did too , but you know , we all have been looking and watch the news and see absolute evil seem to be successful . We've been looking around and wondering why the ones living wild are living well . Living wild or living well . Remember , not everything that glitters is gold , and not every win is a blessing . God sees you . He hasn't forgotten you or me , and your harvest is coming , not in just this life , but in the next . But until then , keep walking the walk .