We were warned by our Lord that the Many that say Lord Lord will not enter into the Kingdom of God, and He told us why. They work iniquity (they live in sin, and they are happy) – Matt 7:22-23. Moses had a choice to bear affliction by living for God or stay in Egypt and enjoy the pleasures of sin, but for a season. So Christians ask the question, does God not want us to be happy, healthy, and prosperous? Read on for the answer.

THE DECEIVER’S INTENTION IS TO KEEP US HAPPY IN OUR SIN
If sin was not pleasurable mankind would not do it. satan’s intention is to make us happy in our sin, how else can he keep us in it? satan told Yeshua he would give him the world if He worshipped him (satan). satan is in a position to offer the world to the deceived and this he has done for generations. Many that are in Christian churches serve God while still continuing in sin, thinking that God is pleased with their efforts and thus they receive His rewards. However, they give with a life and heart that is filled with iniquity, and they do not know it. Why? Again, they have been well deceived. They get from satan what he has to offer from the world (house, car, money etc); satan fills their cups to overflowing and they think that it all comes from God. God says He NEVER knew them, it is written.
(Matt 7:23 [KJV])
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

WHY WOULD GOD’S WAY BE FILLED WITH AFFLICTION?
Mankind is influenced by two; the god of this world and the God of heaven. The god of this world HATES the people of God. When you begin to love God and keep His commandments, you become a candidate for destruction and or death. satan influences the unrighteous to attack the people of God, and the degree of hate depends on the level of control/authority that the ungodly person has. satan influenced the people in OT times to kill many of God’s prophets, and in the NT times, he influenced them to murder Yeshua, to kill His disciples, and thousands more that came after. When you do the following from your heart you become a target, it is written.
(John 14:15 [KJV])
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

ANSWER
Does God want His people to be happy, prosperous, and healthy? NO, God wants His people to be…

OBEDIENT.. what God has in store for His people will come after our obedience is rooted in Him. Pain, sickness, rejection, etc may come; the importance of a life in God is to stay obedient to His word/commandments… Liken it to a soldier in a battle. Soldiers are called to be obedient to the supreme commander. In the interest of winning the war, the soldier may be called upon to give up his life. We the people of God are in His plan, and what our commander requires first and foremost is our obedience to His word. If you want to understand obedience against all odds in the face of destruction, read Queen Esther’s story (you will see how all things work together for good to them that love the Lord). 

(1Sam 15:22 [KJV])
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Moses knew that he may be going down the hard road to pain if he aligned himself with God and His people; ultimately, he knew it would be better to be obedient. The pleasures of sin will only be enjoyed for a season, after that comes judgment and damnation for all eternity. The wise choose God’s way, and the foolish choose to sin. When you have God and the enemy comes to kill the body, our joy will shine. Many of our brothers and sisters died in the Colosseums of Rome by the lions, praising God. God’s joy will be in you and it will be your strength. It is written.
(Neh 8:10 [KJV])
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Are you loving Him and keeping His commandments (in love), but things are tough at the moment? Hold on to this word…
(Rom 8:18 [KJV])
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

We encourage you to love Him and live your life in obedience to His commandments. 

RELATED TOPIC
We explain why we need to keep the commandments of God under the New Covenant (The Gospel).

To Hell and Back (movie) – The story about a modern-day Job who was up and taken down; but he stayed with the Lord through thick and thin.