Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:19-23.

“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.  But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city.  The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.  After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 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.”  When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”   Acts 14:19-23.

———————-

Paul and Barnabas were “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.”  Verse 22.

How can it be encouraging to say “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”?! 

First, in that very sentence, there is the hope that we will enter the kingdom of God.

Second, there is the hope that God rescues out of all of our tribulations.  Consider the following Scriptures.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19.

“The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.”  Psalm 34:17.

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.  Psalm 34:6.

“Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra;  what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!”  2 Timothy 3:10-11.

Third, there is the hope that our tribulations brings about perseverance and proven character in us.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:3-5.

Fourth, there is the hope that our tribulations are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  Romans 8:18.

Fifth, there is the hope that our tribulations prove our faith and lead to our salvation.

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope;  for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  Romans 8:24-25.