By: Juliet Constantine

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22 NKJV)
 

I do not like trouble or anything that annoys. I would love to be carried to the skies on a bed of ease. I would love to have days free from tribulations and testing. I would love to enjoy unbroken peace and prosperity. I would love a carefree life. Wouldn’t you?

In Heaven, that’s exactly what we will enjoy – carefree all the way. No trouble, trials or botherations. That’s a fitting reward for all the work being done here now. Work of patience, determination and sheer diligence to God’s cause will be worth it. It’s easy to believe it when life seems okay and our peace here is unshaken.

But it’s not so easy when the table turns. When trouble comes, with all the heartbreaking disappointments that it sometimes brings, it is not so easy to keep our focus on the only One who can calm our storms. When reproach enters our doors and opposition seems to take up residence, we sometimes disconnect ourselves from our Power Source, forgetting that “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

The Apostle Paul, in a motivating talk with some new converts to Christianity, encouraged the believers to continue in the faith. Already they were experiencing reproach and opposition. Their young faith needed assurance, so Paul returned to encourage these converts and to ensure that the work begun would remain.

As I petitioned God’s throne on what to write this morning, He directed me to our text for today. He must have seen that someone, somewhere needs strengthening; a gentle reminder to continue in the faith. Your world may seem to have collapsed from under you. Peace you once enjoyed seemed forever gone. Your heart may have been shattered and you feel so all alone. Hold on my child. Joy comes in the morning. Don’t give up on your faith and don’t give up on God. It’s easy to blame God for allowing those things to happen. But just remember, He has a greater purpose and you’ll thank Him then.

God was there when Jesus was being nailed to the cross. He was there when Stephen was stoned to death. He was there when so many of His children suffered for their faith. He delivered them all – in different ways. God sees everything and He’ll work it out for your good. Just continue in the faith. Don’t allow your temporary troubles to rob you of your eternal peace. Do not give up on God. Soon we’ll be done with the troubles of this world. We are going to meet our God.

Whatever you’re going through, just remember that this too shall pass. Go to God in prayer. He’s waiting for you. And no matter what you do, continue in the faith.

Dear Father, it isn’t so easy to continue to trust when faced with all these perplexities of life. We often turn away from You and allowed our faith to be shattered. Please forgive us and help us to be victors in these life’s battles we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)