“And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” ~ Acts 14:21-22
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials [tribulations], 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 His love.” ~ Romans 5:3-5, NLT
“I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33, NLT
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].” ~ 1 Peter 5:10, AMP
In this world we will have tribulation
Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging sea, You speak and the storm ceases to torment. Even so, You teach us that through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom of God.
Really? Why is that necessary, Lord? Why must we be crushed?
According to Your Word, tribulation produces endurance and endurance produces character from which hope is born. In the flames of adversity we learn who You are, the very essence of Your goodness as You come alongside us to give us strength.
Unless the grapes are crushed, there can be no wine. Unless the grain of wheat is crushed, there can be no harvest.
I don’t like trials. Tribulation that brings crushing pain is so hard! It leaves me breathless with overwhelm some days, and yet, in the pain, my eyes are opened to see You, Lord, and my ears are opened to hear Your quiet whispers. Experiencing the fellowship of Your suffering has changed my life and deepened my faith. My roots are secure and lap at the Living Water. Leaves stay green in drought, and storms can no longer toss me to and fro in destruction.
I don’t understand why we must endure tribulation to enter the Kingdom of God, but I trust You. Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Through tribulation, Your consuming fire burns away the dross and creates in us a pure heart. A pure heart can stand in Your presence. A pure heart can dwell richly with You here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have found the Lord in tribulation
There is purpose in the pain — eternal purpose. Forgive me when I murmur and complain. Forgive me when I allow my flesh to rise up and stifle Your Spirit who is molding me into a vessel for Your glory. To know You, the Living God, in such a personal way is my greatest treasure. I am a life that has been changed by Your abiding presence and Your guiding hand.
Forevermore, I will find it hard to accept trials and tribulation without a gasp and sigh, but then I will do my best to awaken my heart to remember that You are my God and I am Your child, and in the pain You are making me all that I was created to be. And for that, I am thankful — eternally grateful for Your impact on my life.
In the Name of Jesus, I pray,
Amen ~ let it be so
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
