“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.'” – Acts 14:22
Telling others that tribulation lies ahead is a source of encouragement only if we understand what is on the other side. The Bible tells us that Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame by setting His heart on the joy that lay before Him (Hebrews 12:1-2). That joy was our reconciliation to Him so we could be restored to the relationship we were created to enjoy with God. His joy was not in the pain of the cross but in what lay beyond the cross. We are led to have this same mindset so we do not become discouraged in our souls. This is what Paul and Barnabas were doing before they returned from their missionary journey. They were visiting the churches, strengthening and encouraging them in the Truth. They were encouraging them to continue in the faith despite tribulations. As we talk with believers going through hard times, we should be mindful to direct them to the other side of the hardship to what lay beyond it.
Who can you stand with and encourage through their hard circumstance today? Remember to remind them of the joy on the other side of the tribulation.
