Blake Long

Paul and Barnabas were at Lystra preaching the gospel, even healing a man “who could not use his feet” (Acts 14:8a). The text goes further to explain that “He was crippled from birth and had never walked” (v. 8b).

As they preached the gospel and performed this miracle (through the power of the Holy Spirit), the crowds were persuaded by the Jews that came from Antioch and Iconium to have Paul stoned (v. 19a). They stoned him and dragged him out of the city, apparently left to die (v. 19b).

The text, however, goes on to explain Paul, like nothing had happened, got up and continued on with Barnabas to another city; once they preached the gospel there they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to encourage the disciples there in the faith (v. 21-22). One notable way Paul encouraged the saints there is by “saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (v. 22b).

Is that not striking? Is that not incredible? First, we must acknowledge the courage of the Apostle Paul to go back to the place in which he was stoned—merely for the betterment of the new disciples there. That’s sincere, brotherly love. He felt enough love and affection for those saints that, despite nearly being murdered, he went back to offer encouragement. That’s astonishing, and is a testament to the Holy Spirit inside of him.

But what’s more astonishing is his statement in the latter part of verse 22. This echoes the sentiment elsewhere that believers should be prepared to endure trials in this life. This scripture is not indicating that one must hop through trials in order to be saved; it’s saying that the pathway to glory is paved with many trials and tribulations. In other words, we’re going to go through very hard things in life; difficult moments; painful circumstances; gut-wrenching days.

It’s all part of our sanctification; it’s all part of the road to the kingdom of God.

Christians are not immune from suffering. We’re not exempt from pain and turmoil and persecution. Life will not always be peachy. God will give us many hard days in order to mold us more into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). It’s important to be prepared for what is to come, to not be shocked. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,” 1 Peter 4:12 says, “as though something strange were happening to you.” No need to be shell-shocked at painful moments in life; we must look at them as an opportunity for growth, a time to mature.

And note the word many in the original verse from Paul. Our suffering and tribulations aren’t limited to one or a few. Paul says many. I’m not saying to eagerly anticipate the amount of tribulation you’ll have, but do not be surprised when your trials are plenty. God sanctifies us far more through the avenue of suffering than He does through the ease of comfort.

What’s the message here, friend? It is this. Be ready for tribulations; be prepared for trials; be on guard with any and all types of suffering. As believers in Christ, this world is the closest thing to Hell we’ll ever experience; but we know, at the end of the day, we have Christ, and He’s worth it all. This doesn’t mean we are thrilled to suffer. Suffering is not pleasurable. But it is possible—more than possible—to have an abiding joy in Christ amidst your suffering. Your joy is in Jesus, and suffering cannot take that from you.

Tribulation comes with being a Christian. We shouldn’t expect a pain free life; there are going to be moments of anguish, of frustration, of suffering. But we can persevere in those hard moments by God’s grace because we are His. Trials don’t become less hard in Christ, but they are worth it because being united to Christ is worth it.