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Through Many Tribulations - Acts 14

Through Many Tribulations - Acts 14

21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14.21-22)

This followed the stoning of Paul at Lystra (vs. 19).

I read this while sitting in an air-conditioned Starbucks and working on my laptop. My reaction to such an admonition? Guilt. I have 1st world problems. I am in no danger of being stoned. I have more than enough worldly goods. I am associated with a steadfast and loving bunch of disciples. Guilt? When combined with “all who live godly will suffer persecution’ (cp. 2 Tim. 3:12), I begin wondering about my godliness!

Different reactions are thankfulness and empathy. Thankfulness for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Indeed, count your many blessings and see what God has done!

Empathy. While I read this in the safety and comfort of my life situation, I am painfully aware that others around the world are suffering FOR being disciples! We all suffer because of the nature of the world we live in: sickness, disease, storms, economic upheavals, etc., etc. That is not the same as suffering FOR being a disciple. I realize that there is little I can actually do to alleviate this situation for my fellow Christians, but I can pray.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)                

Hugh DeLong