June 22
Acts 14:8-28
Following God is not always easy. The example of Jesus was one of faithful obedience even to death. Most likely ten of the original twelve disciples were martyred for their faith. We can easily think that following Jesus will make our life easy, happy, and worry free; but though it will fill our lives with joy, peace, and eternal life, it will not always be pain free.
How do you feel about the statement by Paul and Barnabas, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Paul had been stoned to the point the crowd thought he was dead, yet he refused to stop serving God. Even when he was nearly killed, he kept serving God. How do you respond to difficulty in your life? Do you turn your back on God or run to him? Do you continue to engage people with Jesus who seem uninterested or oppositional, or are you quick to throw in the towel? Do you continue to fight against temptation and sin, or do you find yourself more often giving in to your broken, fallen desires? Following God is not easy, in fact it will often lead us directly into “many hardships,” but it is always worth it.
Father God, help me to see that you are greater and more satisfying than everything else. Help me to live for you and for eternity, rather than for momentary, fleeting pleasures. Amen.
How well are you willing to endure hardship for the sake of God and his kingdom?
Following God is not always easy. The example of Jesus was one of faithful obedience even to death. Most likely ten of the original twelve disciples were martyred for their faith. We can easily think that following Jesus will make our life easy, happy, and worry free; but though it will fill our lives with joy, peace, and eternal life, it will not always be pain free.
How do you feel about the statement by Paul and Barnabas, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Paul had been stoned to the point the crowd thought he was dead, yet he refused to stop serving God. Even when he was nearly killed, he kept serving God. How do you respond to difficulty in your life? Do you turn your back on God or run to him? Do you continue to engage people with Jesus who seem uninterested or oppositional, or are you quick to throw in the towel? Do you continue to fight against temptation and sin, or do you find yourself more often giving in to your broken, fallen desires? Following God is not easy, in fact it will often lead us directly into “many hardships,” but it is always worth it.
Father God, help me to see that you are greater and more satisfying than everything else. Help me to live for you and for eternity, rather than for momentary, fleeting pleasures. Amen.
How well are you willing to endure hardship for the sake of God and his kingdom?
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