As I've been reading through the book of Acts, one verse recently stood out to me with fresh clarity. Acts 14:22 says:
"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."
Paul and Barnabas did far more than preach the gospel. They invested in the believers — strengthening them, steadying them, and urging them to stay anchored in the faith. They understood something we often forget:
following Christ doesn't shield us from difficulty.
In fact, the more sincerely we walk with Jesus, the more the pressures of life may tempt us to drift away from the truth.
As I continued reading, I came across a cross-reference that deepened this thought — 2 Timothy 3:12:
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
This verse is sobering, but it is also necessary.
Hardship is not abnormal for the believer; it is part of the journey.
The early disciples needed strengthening because their faith would be tested — and so will ours.
But here is the beautiful assurance:
God never intended for us to face these struggles alone.
Just as Paul and Barnabas built up the early church, we too are called to continually encourage one another — to remind each other of truth, to help each other remain faithful, and to stand firm on what the Word of God calls us to do. In a world filled with distractions, doubts, and pressures, the gift of Christian community becomes priceless.
Praise God for the community we have —
a family that stands with us, prays for us, lifts us, and walks through every hardship beside us.
May we continue to strengthen and encourage one another,
remaining faithful and steadfast until the end.
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