Winds of Adversity

“They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.”

Acts 14:21-22

What would you say to a Christian who is struggling through many hardships? Listen to what Paul and Barnabas said in Acts 14. They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

If that seems to be an odd way of offering strength and encouragement, remember that God has called you to Christ’s side, and if the wind is now in his face, you cannot expect to rest on the sheltered side of the hill. Samuel Rutherford adds to this; he says, “Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord.” The Christian life is meant to be hard. But joy in the kingdom of God – it’s worth it!