Many Hardships

 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 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.

— Acts 14:21-22

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Acts 14:22 is a reminder that we are not promised a life of ease once we choose to follow you. Your words in John 16:33 say the same, "In this world  you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Hardships, trials, persecution, and adversity are all part of the discipleship process. We don't get to skip those. Following you is no guarantee of a painfree life void of discomfort and challenge. On the contrary, Paul and Barnabas preached that we must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

Many hardships. Not exactly the encouraging word I wanted today. I'd prefer something along the lines of, "You've been through many hardships, but now it's going to get easier." Nope. Didn't read that. There are probably just as many hardships ahead of me as there are behind me. What I can anticipate is that regardless of the hardships ahead, you are with me. And they won't be a surprise to me.

Gracious Lord, today I recognize that not only will I face many hardships, but so will those I shepherd. Even as I write these words, I'm receiving texts from people navigating hardships in real time. Lord, thank You that You use all of these difficulties to shape us into Your likeness. May our hardships make us more like You.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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