Health & Wealth Gospel

I am currently reading a great (but long) book by Randy Alcorn entitled, If God is Good: Faith in the midst of evil and suffering. Sooner or later every person who calls himself or herself a Christian will face suffering and adversity. It is not a sign of one's lack of faith in God- it's called life on earth that has been tainted by sin. Randy Alcorn says that prosperity theology teaches that God will bless with material abundance and good health those who obey him and lay claim to his promises. There are an abundance of tv preachers who espouse that theology every day. Just one problem: it wasn't the case in the life of Paul, who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, prayed 3 times for healing, and eventually was beheaded by emperor Nero. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and nearly all the prophets suffered "because they were righteous." John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.

If you are suffering (and you know it's not due to unconfessed sin in your life) take comfort in that you are in good company. They endured to the end. You can too. Compared to eternity, it will all be over in just a little while. Persevere!