Joy & Hardships Go Hand in Hand!

Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture

Acts 14

21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Observation

I read this mornings Bible reading in Acts and in Job and I realized that the Christian life and the American lifestyle don’t match. Here in the USA whenever we get the least bit uncomfortable we tend to gripe and complain. What would we do if people had a habit of stoning us for our faith? I am amazed at Paul and Barnabas. In this same chapter just a few verses before verse twenty-one we find that Paul has been stoned and left for dead outside the city. Then the scriptures say that Paul gets up after being stoned and goes back into the city. In chapter 13:52 the scriptures say, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Application

What do I need to change in my life to be more like Paul and Barnabas?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are an Awesome God. Nothing is too hard for you. I pray that today you draw men unto yourself. I pray that men will be saved today. In church this morning I pray that men and women would be convicted of their sin and that they would turn to you. May you receive Glory and Honor on this Lord’s Day. Amen.


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