Acts 14:21-22 “After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 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.’”
It’s passages like this one that bring comfort to my heart. Jesus’ disciples needed strengthening and encouragement to continue in the faith. They had to be reminded that difficulties are “par for the course.” Unexpected dilemmas can potentially invite uncertainty about our value to God, but our circumstances absolutely do not define His love for us. Rather, they call us to lean all the more completely upon our Beloved King. And such dependence provides complete access to His Kingdom.
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
There is revelation to be obtained through suffering...hidden treasure in the depths of despair. I am persuaded that our suffering is an opportunity for His love to be revealed to us. We are summoned into the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:8-11) and as we journey through the grief of our anguish, we come to know His love more thoroughly.
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