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Encouragement for Difficult Times

This blog post originated from my bible study in Acts. We were currently studying Acts 14.

" We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God"  Acts 14:22

As a believer you have probably experienced the reality of this verse in your own life. Often it is through suffering that we discover the door of faith opened to us. Unlike Paul, if the choice is ours, we would (no doubt) choose the easier and shorter road, opting for comfort and convenience. However, there are no shortcuts into the kingdom of God; hence time and time again we find our faith being tried in order to produce in us the qualities that God so desires.

" For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but to suffer for His sake."  Philippians 1:29

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." 2 Timothy 3:12

Following Christ is not easy, in fact, it says that we too will be persecuted just as Christ was but in the end it is so worth it. 

“ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3-5 is a beautiful picture of peace and joy in tribulations.

" My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

Notice that these verses do not imply if but rather when you encounter trials. There is a promise here to each one who believes, that their faith will be tried. Patient submission will result in growth and maturity.

" Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Psalm 34:19

" I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me (Paul) has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14

“ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" 1 Peter 5:10

“ Do not fear what you are about to suffer...Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

You, Christian, must lay hold of the truth that the kingdom of God may not be entered without difficult and even painful experiences. " If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." You are His disciple and will, at times, have to endure ridicule, overcome opposition, and rise above your disappointments while keeping in mind the ultimate destination of your journey, and the blessed hope you possess in Christ.

" The path of sorrow and that path alone, leads to that land where sorrow is unknown."
(Author is Anonymous)

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