Beautiful Word Devotional #261

We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:22

Sometimes we seem to think that God owes us an easy life. Or that being a Christian means we should escape hardship. Paul and Barnabas clarify the matter: It’s not that Christians escape problems when they follow Christ. It’s that Jesus is with us through those trials.

Suffering and persecution are normative for those who follow Jesus. Why? Because the enemy of our souls, Satan, immediately sees us as a target when we bend the knee and surrender our lives to God.

The good news is that our strong Jesus has already defeated Satan. Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan when he rose from the dead. Our job on this earth, then, is to resist Satan, standing firm on the truth that the kingdom we serve is not of this world.

You may feel defeated right now. You may be facing hardship and pain. Persevere! Keep giving your worries and burdens over to God. And remember that Jesus is with you through the hardships and trials.

Lord, help me be aware of your presence with me when I face hardships and trials, amen.