Success for the Nonbeliever?

I have been pondering a bit lately.

I was reading about a guy's success in the entertainment industry a short while ago.  I won't name who this man was.  Then I read an article about his beliefs.  He made a joke about foolish people praying to an imaginary friend for healing instead of using medical assistance.  In that moment my mind ran wild.  How is it that this man is incredibly successful and has no worries in the world?  He is as happy as can be in life and yet he lives a life in which he completely rejects God.

I'm not ashamed to admit being annoyed at this scenario.  I'm only a selfish human.  However, I don't think it's right to have malice in my heart and that is why I raised my concern to God.  Thankfully, I already realize that I don't deserve any blessings or success that God may or may not willingly plan for me.  I was, however, puzzled at how much more difficult life is for a person trying to obey God's authority than someone who is living for his or her self.

I used to think "How miserable people must be who don't have Jesus in their lives.  How do they cope with loss?  How do they deal with failure?"  But they don't understand what they're missing.  It's like feeling sorry for individuals who were born with different handicaps.  They aren't less happy due to their handicap.  They don't know the difference.  So what if life is actually a lot simpler for those who aren't burdened with following the direction of a higher authority?

For believers, it would seem that there is a pattern of constant struggle.  Whether that be a struggle with sin or a struggle with a circumstance or even a struggle of miscommunication with God.  There always seems to be some kind of suffering to pray about.  But really no one said following God was going to be easy.  It's a constant battle really.  "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Peter 4:19).  "For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1Peter 4:17).

Suffering is fine because the process produces goodies in our soul.  However, sometimes we do tend to focus on the negative.  If I meet with friends, a question that seems to always come up is "How can I be praying for you?"  And that always forces me to think about what I may be struggling with.  Maybe we can start asking each other "What can we thank and praise God for this week?"  Don't get me wrong, praying for healing and wisdom is necessary.  But maybe by shifting our focus on praising God for what He's already done and what He will do in the future, we will turn our strife into abundant joy.

Going back to my thoughts on those who reject Jesus yet live happy lives...I can freely get over that.  First of all, I am not to covet someone else's good favor.  Secondly, my whole belief system is based on an eternal home after this life.  I can't measure happiness or success on Earth.  But I do have hope in my treasures stored up in Heaven.  Therefore, if someone is happy, let them be happy.  If someone is struggling, try to help them overcome the struggle.  Regardless of a person's faith, I can see him or her as I see myself.  And I am a person whom God knit together for His purpose alone.

References:
-Exodus 20:17  -You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
-Psalm 139:13  -You knit me together in my mother's womb.
-Romans 15:13  -May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace as you trust Him.
-Mark 12:31  -Love your neighbor as yourself.
-Colossians 1:16  -All things have been created through him and for him.
-Matthew 6:19-20  -Don't store up treasures on earth, but in Heaven.
-Luke 6:31  -As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
-1 Peter 2:17  -Show proper respect to everyone.
-Proverbs 24:17  -Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.