FAITH VS. SUFFERING- BY PASTOR GREG ELKAN.

_By faith Moses…._ – Heb 11:23

We previously used the faith life of Moses to confront the way some Christians view as a card to a life of luxury and pleasure. However, we cannot close this section without addressing the converse of that mindset; which is the view that faith does not and should not make the life of a Believer _physically_ better.

People in this camp are of the opinion that the Believer is called to suffer affliction in this world and not to enjoy life. This view sees pleasure as a sin and austerity as the better, higher form of spirituality. This belief stands precipitously close to the chasm of Eastern religious philosophy and mysticism. 

But there are two types of suffering, and the type Moses went through is clearly stated in Heb 11:25: _“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”_ 

Observe that the passage contrasts _affliction *with the people of God*_ on one side with _pleasures *of sin*_ on the other. Extremists would rather read it as, _“Choosing rather to suffer affliction, than to enjoy pleasure for a season.”_ 

Did you spot the difference? Many Believers don’t; (read the two renditions again to check the words that were omitted). 

Do Christians suffer in this Fallen world? “Yes”. Is it a good or godly thing for them for them to suffer? The answer is definitely No. Peter gives the type of affliction that God likes; he wrote that it is “commendable, if a man *for conscience toward God* endures grief, suffering wrongfully.” And also, “if you suffer *for righteousness’ sake,* happy are you.” (1 Pt 2:19; 3:14.3) 

Our Lord’s also talks about persecution, but His emphasis was always on suffering for His sake; not for poverty’s sake (Mt 5:10,11). Suffering as a result of poverty, sickness, etc. cannot be construed as a path to higher spirituality, except your goal is attaining Nirvana – which is very far from Christ.

Beloved, purposely seeking out discomfort in the name of spirituality takes you dangerously close to fleshly religion and out of a Spirit-led faith life. There’s favour, healing and prosperity in faith; as Moses’ later life showed. He never lacked food or clothing, neither was he ever sick. He was _“120 years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated”_ (Dt 8:4; 29:5; 34:7).

May even _more_ than this be your portion in Jesus name.

AMEN...

PASTOR GREG ELKAN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

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https://www.gregelkan.com