God's Kingdom grows, even through hardship.
Have you ever experienced people you considered friends or at least friendly, to completely turn around and come against you instead?
It has happened to me many times when fans who love my music don’t like a certain choice I make or content I put out, and suddenly start leaving nasty comments on social media. Thankfully, none of them ever tried to kill me for it.😅
In Acts 14, we read about Paul and Barnabas going to the synagogue. The persecution in Antioch has not diminished their courage and desire to preach the gospel. They speak in such a way that both Jews and Gentiles come to faith. But division also arises.
Paul and Barnabas received the power from God to perform miracles. In Lystra, Paul heals a paralysed man. The reaction is striking: the crowd thinks that the gods have descended in human form. Paul and Barnabas are almost worshipped. But a moment later, the mood changes. Opponents convince the crowd, and Paul is stoned and left for dead.
From veneration to rejection—in one chapter.
Yet Paul gets up again and continues. Later, he even returns to the places where he was opposed to encourage the disciples. His message is realistic: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
That is not a popular message. But it is honest. Success and suffering are sometimes close together. Being faithful to Jesus does not automatically mean an easy path. But God's Kingdom grows, even through hardship.
Do you expect faith to make life easier, or do you trust God even in troubled times?
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, help me to remain steadfast in trials, walk with perseverance, live hopefully, wait patiently in difficult times and remain faithful in prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
