Take Heart

Today I was reading Acts 14, and while there were a number of things that I took notes on, there was one particular part of the passage that stood out to me: verses 21-27.

In this part of the chapter Paul and Barnabas have completed the work they set out to do and are returning to the places they had previously visited (Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia). At each of these places "...they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" (v. 22).

This passage struck me, because Paul and Barnabas were following through with their ministry. They had gathered believers in Christ's name, but they returned to strengthen them. And they did this by "encourag[ing] them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God." They did not sugar coat things, they spoke plainly.

We, as believers, are not promised an easy way simply because we follow Jesus. We do not become disciples because are lives will become perfect. In fact, we are actually promised suffering and trials as believers. We must give up our lives and take up our crosses-- not exactly easy or necessarily enticing. But if we willing choose to be Christ's disciples, knowing we are promised trials, why are we so upset, angry, bitter, (insert other adjective) with God when we encounter trials in our lives?

Should we not acknowledge that we had suspected they would one day come, and then proceed to submit to the Lord's leading, trusting his sovereign hand over all and his promises to complete the good work he began in us and to make all things work together for our good? (Phil. 1:9; Rom. 8:23). Easier said than done. It is not at all easy to do this. And acknowledging and accepting a trial does not mean that we cannot or should not feel sad, hurt, broken, confused, angry, frustrated, or upset when we walk through trials...that is largely what makes it a trial: we face a hard situation in which we experience difficulty and darkness and overwhelming feelings.

Yet, we must choose God over all of these things. We can take heart that with God everything is possible, even walking through a seemingly impossible trial. We can take heart, because we can rejoice in suffering and find true joy in holding Christ as our true treasure and ultimate prize. We can take heart, because we are strengthened in faith, by the fire's refining flame. And we can take heart, because we have already claimed the ultimate victory, because Jesus has overcome the world.

"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. "    


"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love."


"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world."


"'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.'"