Acts 14:22–28
“… strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.”
Verse 22 says that entering the kingdom of God involves many difficulties. This is such a true statement. How is it difficult? Sometimes we face persecution around us. When a person becomes a Christian, they may be persecuted by relatives, friends and people around them. Secondly, they may face other difficulties in life, such as difficulties created by people and also emotional struggles. A Christian needs to be transformed from the inside and learn to deal with interpersonal conflicts and other differences by laying down his or her rights. This is a very difficult thing to do and is causes one to feel they are enduring great suffering.
In order to preach the gospel, Paul endured much suffering. 2 Corinthians Chapter 11 lists all the sufferings that Paul endured, including being physical pain, persecution, being flogged and shipwrecked. However, Paul never complained in the midst of his sufferings. In fact in Philippians 1:19, he says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him”. To Paul, believing in Jesus goes hand in hand with suffering. When a person becomes a Christian, they must be prepared to go through much difficulty.
Suffering is inevitable in our daily lives. Some people suffer as a result of their own sins while others suffer for things of the world. Some suffer for their parents or their children. Pray that God will help us suffer for the right purpose and that God’s grace will be sufficient for us. Let us experience God’s power and his grace abundantly each day just as Paul did. May the Lord help us to share the gospel through our lives, so that we may be filled with the joy that comes from heaven!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, even though we often go through suffering, we have joy in our hearts as you are with us. Help us not to lose heart and courage, because nothing can separate us from the love of God. Fill us with your love each day and let us fully depend on you. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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