Acts 14:22 (MSG)
After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and
establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra,
then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the
disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not
quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up
for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."
God has
given us many precious promises in his word, ones which give us comfort,
encouragement and peace in times of difficulty. One promise most of us would
like to forget is the often repeated one that hardship, difficulties and
suffering are an important part of being a growing disciple. If we want to grow
we have to be willing to go through hard times. Anyone signing up
for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times is not a popular message. In the Western world we don’t
cope well with suffering, most of us demand instant relief. When someone is
sick we may instinctively pray for healing, when things are difficult we pray God
would smooth things over. Perhaps it would be better to ask God how he might
use pain of whatever kind for our benefit or the benefit of others.
Lord, give me discernment to see clearly what you
are doing in and through suffering.
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