It's a Wonderful Life!

Do you ever think that your life and the world around you are less than wonderful? Sometimes we look around and see so many injustices. I often wonder what in the world is the Lord doing through it all. Recently the Lord encouraged me with better understanding through the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. I hope you will be encouraged too!

Key Scriptures: Psalm 139:13-18, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 18:30

Life

“Life is time, vitality; the manner of one's existence.”

Have you ever watched the movie, It's a Wonderful Life? Our family likes to watch it together each year during the holidays. I'm not normally a big fan of watching a movie more than once, but I love spending time with my family. And of course, this movie is pretty special. I still cry every time I watch it!

Circumstances

In case you have never seen the movie, you have to know a little about it to see where I'm going... Beginning at a young age, George Bailey had specific dreams for his future. Because of circumstances in early adulthood, he put his dreams aside to run the family business. There was one other business like his in their town, which was owned by Mr. Potter. Amidst a financial crisis, George's Uncle Billy lost an $8,000 deposit by accidentally giving it to Mr. Potter in a stack of papers. This mishap, along with the existing financial woes, left George and most of the community in great crisis. George felt the pressures were too much to bear and he set out to end his life.

Purpose

“For I know the thoughts I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

God sent an angel named Clarence to stop George's suicide attempt. In addition to his intervention, Clarence was tasked with showing George what life in his town would have been like if he didn't exist. The journey leads George to see the value of his life. It's so sweet! During the process, some of his financial problems are also solved. But not necessarily how you would think...

Value

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14 KJV)

So, usually I am just all smiles after I see the movie. But this year was different... Though the angel Clarence knew where the lost $8,000 deposit was, he didn't reveal it. Justice was not the purpose at this time. Blame was not even mentioned. It's so counter-cultural. Justice is important to me and it's important to God. In the world we are quick to point fingers and blame others, even when it seems right. After all, Mr. Potter did steal the $8,000 that was accidentally given to him by Uncle Billy. But who did the wrong is not what God wanted us to focus on. Like the movie and the angel's work with George, it's the value of life, our life, and the impact we have on others that matter. George was taught this through his journey with the angel Clarence. And the Lord wants to teach us this too. God has given us life, a wonderful life! How will you embrace the life God has given you today? How will you use your life to impact others?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

"As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him." (Psalm 18:30)