Choosing rather

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. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. – Hebrews 11.24-27

We all face our own challenges. I recently read a Facebook post written by a friend who is frustrated with life in Ireland. His advice, which he has since withdrawn, was to get out of here and go somewhere else.

I understand that – I really do. Though Christians here face no physical danger, this country is a real spiritual battlefield. It seems like every time we have a small success we face another setback.

It would be tempting to do what my friend suggested and just leave the country for some place easier. 

Moses was in a situation like that, but he was on the other side – he had it made. He could have continued on with all the riches of Egypt and all the pleasures of sin that he could have had. He was, after all, in line to be Pharaoh as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

But he gave it all up because He esteemed the riches of Christ better than all the world had to offer.  

How did he do that? How did he give it all up to serve God? There are those two little words again – by faith.

Faith overrides the visible. Faith supersedes all the stuff. Faith becomes our substance when we really trust God to do what is best.

What does my faith allow me to do?

Faith allows me to choose the afflictions of the world instead of all this world has to offer. Paul tells of a man named Demas who did just the opposite. He loved the world so much that he forsook Paul and his ministry. Demas chose the world – Moses chose Christ. Demas forsook Paul – Moses forsook Egypt.

There is always an easy way out

Which will we choose?