Faith Life 52 (The riches in suffering for Christ)

Ayoola Fakeye

THE RICHES IN SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:24-26‬ ‭‬‬ 

“The pleasure of sin” refers to having might, influence, fame, and wealth in worldly ways. To have any of these may not be bad in themselves, but if it is your main focus and your goal; or if they are what your attention centers upon, then you cannot choose the reproach of Christ. There are far greater riches that will be enjoyed in identifying with Christ in suffering. Wealth outside Christ may give you enjoyment, but it will be short-lived! 

Beloved, there is more in Christ Jesus. There is nothing that can be compared to what Christ gives. Just stay in God's course and wait patiently on Him until He works thoroughly in you, all that you need for your manifestation. 

The text above tells us Moses' valuation; “he found the reproach of Christ of greater riches than the treasure of Egypt.” Despite the palace privileges that he would have had, he counted it as nothing compared to suffering in God's course. This is an absolute slight on Egypt and its pharaoh. You’ll need to start shaming the devil by deciding to stay with Christ even if it means that you suffer (in a worldly context). This is true riches in itself! 

Riches you'll enjoy when you decide to suffer for Christ instead of going by worldly ways. 

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I Peter‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭ 

‬‬ The first riches you enjoy is Grace. The text reads “the God of all grace.” The statement means God's grace can be experienced in all kinds and at all times. Friends, right amid those challenges and persecution, God's grace will always locate you when you stay in faith in Christ. 

Although, many times this is not our experience. And the reason is that we are engulfed in our challenges and are overwhelmed by them. This will hinder us from receiving the impartation of grace. But when a man stays with Christ, I have discovered that such would enjoy peace more than those that are not even passing through any challenges. 

Another riches is that God has called you into His eternal glory. This means you are fixed on God's plan already. Poverty, failure, rejection, and the like cannot remove you. When you stay with Christ in Faith irrespective of the challenges, you can’t fall into discontentment, depression, hatred, fear, and the likes because you know your future is Christ. 

Furthermore, in that text, you’ll also see that there is a ‘while’ of suffering. In it, you might be bent, but you won't be broken. Meanwhile, in the suffering, four things would take place if you stay in faith with Christ; 

1. You shall be perfected! The word ‘perfect’ means fully equipped; just as a soldier is equipped for warfare. This is a state whereby you cannot be easily attracted by this pleasure of sin. The implication of it is that all those things that easily take your attention don't again because you have stayed with Christ during your suffering. This is what the Holy Spirit wants to achieve in our lives during suffering. 

2. You shall be established! Being established means ‘set-fast’. It means that you are firm. You are not that easily compromised, but you will be so focused on God and His plan for your life. 

3. You shall be strengthened! The Holy Spirit wants to work in you, such that there is no weakness in you, which always leads to rising and falling. Stay with Christ, even if it will require that you suffered. I bet you that the suffering is for a while, but what the Holy Spirit will work out in you during the suffering will be everlasting. 

4. You shall be settled! This means that nothing would disturb you or makes you worried. 

These are what God wants to achieve in your life, even in the middle of the different challenges you are facing. The question is, will you go with the momentary pleasure of Egypt because you intend to avoid suffering, or you will stay with Christ even if it causes you to suffer some things?

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