Through Hardship and Tribulation

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

--Acts 14:21-22  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on March 6, 2013 of Psalm 46; Acts 14; Numbers 2-3:20.

Over the centuries and still today, some preach that God wants us to prosper here on earth, if we would just have enough faith and patience.  Paul makes it pretty clear that this might not be the case, that we may never prosper in this world.  On his first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas found opposition to their teachings and had to flee Iconium because they feared being attacked.  They ventured on to Lystra, where the Jews and Gentiles who had risen against them in Antioch and Iconium came there and incited the people of Lystra against Paul.  The mob that grew from this stoned Paul and left him outside the city for dead.  But he survived that ordeal and with Barnabas continued on with his mission, stopping first in Derbe where they brought many to Christ, then finally returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.  Paul encourages the disciples he had made there by telling them that yes, just like he just did, they will have to endure many hardships, even beatings and death at the hands of the non-believers, before they may be allowed to enter the kingdom of God.

We may not consider these very encouraging words, being assured that we must face hardships and tribulations.  If we look at the lives of the Apostles, none of those closest to Jesus prospered in a worldly sense.  None of them enjoyed the fruits of their labors here in earth unless they considered the many lives they brought to Christ.  Nor should we expect any better, not as long as we stand for Jesus.  Satan and the forces of evil will make sure of it.  But we must continue the mission Jesus set before us, continue to make the Gospel known far and wide, continue to advance the kingdom of God.  Our prosperity, as did that of the Apostles and the martyrs for Christ over the generations, will come later, in God's kingdom.  Praise the Lord!  Amen.

Merciful Father, we know that we may be called upon to suffer in the name of Jesus.  We may have to face ordeals on any given day.  We may see great hardships, trials, and tribulations as we strive to following Jesus Christ and make our way toward Your kingdom.  We pray that You deliver us from evil and that You prepare a room for us in Your mansion for when our time comes to depart this earth.  In the  name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.