The verse we’d rather not read, the reality we’d rather not experience

By Dean Collins

You won’t find this verse on a Hallmark card. It probably isn’t posted on Instagram or Facebook, either. But maybe we need to consider it and remember its truth. Here it is:‬‬ “… strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

You recognize the part we prefer wasn’t true: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” That doesn’t sound very comforting or provide much encouragement. It doesn’t read like a walk in the park. It’s more of a climb in the wilderness. It would be easier and more comfortable if it said, “And after one tough situation we enter the kingdom of God.” We can tolerate and almost justify that we need a little pain or discomfort on our journey with God. But “many tribulations”? Is that really necessary?

Paul’s ministry

Acts 14 is an interesting chapter in the life of Paul, and there are a few things to learn as we consider his example of faith. The chapter opens with Paul and Barnabas in Iconium doing what they usually did, preaching and teaching in the synagogue. And the Holy Spirit convicted many Jews and Greeks of the truth of the gospel. There are often people ready to receive God’s truth if we are simply open to sharing it.

It wasn’t long before some of the Jewish leaders, sensing traditions and power slipping from their grip, chose to stir up the crowd against Paul and Barnabas. But Paul and Barnabas hung in there and continued teaching and performing signs and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. The tensions expanded beyond the synagogue, and the crowds were divided on what they believed. There were rumors that a group was preparing to rise up and stone Paul and Barnabas. So the two left and went to Lystra.

There they met a man crippled from birth and healed him. When the man starting walking and praising God, the town reacted in celebration. The people were convinced that Paul and Barnabas were themselves gods! Just yesterday they had escaped being stoned, and now they were being treated as gods. It took a lot of convincing, but Paul finally got the crowds to understand they were simply human like everyone else. The difference was that the resurrection had changed them forever, and the same power and salvation was available to everyone.

The agitators came from Iconium and from Antioch ready to act. They were determined to put an end to Paul, Barnabas, and hopefully this gospel they were peddling. When they got to Lystra, they stirred up the crowds who proceeded to drag Paul out of town. They stoned him and left him, convinced he was dead. People will go to extremes to protect their power and save their traditions.

People will go to extremes to protect their power and save their traditions.

Some of the disciples gathered around Paul, and soon he rose up and the next day was preaching again in Derbe. Before long Paul and Barnabas came right back to the scene of the crime and then even went to the cities where the agitators originated. They came to encourage the believers to continue in their faith. And then we see our new memory verse: “…through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Paul’s testimony

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders and entered a season of prayer and fasting, committing to the Lord those who had accepted the good news of Jesus. Filled with hope and determination, they continued on to other cities to share the gospel.

What is so clear as we read this chapter is that Paul expected struggle as he faithfully and joyfully shared his life with others. Paul didn’t seem fearful of pain and suffering and he didn’t allow struggle to discourage or stop him from sharing the love of Christ. He was a living testimony of the power of the resurrection. He was no longer bound by tradition, nor did he have to try to be good enough to win God’s approval.

Our surrender

Our surrender to Jesus assures we have entered the kingdom of God. But it also means that from time to time and maybe more than we desire, there will be tribulations and challenges. Honestly, we had those before we met Jesus. But now in Christ we have the Holy Spirit to guide us through the tribulations so that God will be glorified even as we suffer.

In Philippians Paul declared that he wanted to know Christ and even to share in his suffering for the purpose of bringing glory to God. So today, whatever you are enduring, offer it back to God. He will receive your offering. And don’t be surprised if God uses your suffering as a testimony and witness that demonstrates the power of the gospel to someone nearby even today

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Acts‬ ‭14:19-28‬; Philippians‬ ‭3:7-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Photo by Simon Watkinson on Unsplash

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