The necessity of trouble

 

Just passing through some trouble…

 

istockphoto by Paul Gregg

 

 

“After they had evangelized that town {Derbe} and made many disciples, they {Paul and Barnabus} returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, ‘It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the Kingdom of God.’ “

~Acts 14:21-22 HCSB, emphasis mine

 

In the preceding verses of Acts chapter 14 we read that Paul and Barnabus were preaching the Gospel in Lystra. As they were doing so, they were mistaken for Greek gods. Can you imagine how frustrated they must have been? Paul was preaching Truth, and the people did not respond correctly to his message. The hearers held onto their preconceived idea of what a god is. As a result, they misplaced their worship. How heartbreaking and painful for Paul, especially since Acts 14:19 records that he was then stoned and left for dead. However, Paul literally got back up and continued to preach the Gospel anyways.

 

You cannot keep God’s man or woman down…

As we just read, Paul was stoned by some angry men. The next day he went to Derbe and made many disciples.

I love how God works! He may allow us to go through a season of “stoning” right before a season of “fruit” and blessing. In fact, God could have let the stoning be the end of Paul. But He still had work for him to do.

Our God is more powerful than stones. He is more powerful than persecution, insults, or a shortage of funds. His plans for the Kingdom will not be thwarted by mistaken worship either.

 

Are trials thwarting you?

Are you currently in a season where you are facing hardships of some kind? Perhaps you are trying to proclaim the Gospel to those around you and they are not listening, or they misinterpret your intentions. Is there a co-worker, family member, child, online critic, or a neighbor whose criticism or indifference is crushing your spirit?

If so, may I encourage you to remain faithful. God sees your pain, discouragement, and frustration. His plans for your life will not be thwarted.

A season of “fruit” could be right around the corner.

 

A One Degree moment: embracing trouble

God’s Word says that trouble is a necessary part of our journey towards eternity. Remember that trouble is not our destination. God’s eternal kingdom IS.

Let us remember that when trouble comes, we are just passing through.

 

Please join me in praying:

Holy Spirit, help us to remember that we are just passing through our present trouble. Encourage and strengthen our hearts. Help us to know where to preach and encourage us in our efforts, Father God. We thank you for saving us. Lastly, we pray that if anyone who reads this does not know you as Savior, Jesus, that you would draw them to you. Answer their questions, calm their fears, and open their hearts to you. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Who is Jesus to you?

If you are unsure about where you stand with Jesus or about what will happen to you after you die, I pray that you will read the following information from Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.proverbs31.org/do-you-know-jesus/ .

If you are unsure about Jesus or are facing hardship, please allow me to pray for you. Click on my contact page and send an email with “please pray for me” in the subject line, and your first name in the message portion. You do not have to share anything else. God knows. It would be my honor to take you before Him in prayer.

God bless,

 

Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below:

 

Have you experienced  a season of hardship that was then followed by a season of blessing? Take a moment to share what happened below.

Is there a particular verse that God uses to encourage you while you pass through trouble?