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[rickyz]

   Acts 14:21-22 - Then 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."
   The three cities Paul and Barnabas went back to in order to strengthen the believers were all cities that persecuted Paul and Barnabas. This was no light persecution! They wanted Paul dead, as they found him in Lystra and tried to stone him to death (Acts 14:19-20).
   This type of suffering could really frighten the church. So, Paul encouraged them that sufferings are something Christians must go through in this temporary life.
   I don't like suffering. If I'm honest, it has really frightened me at the thought of suffering intensely. However, if we do suffer, at least it's best for us to suffer for Jesus because this type of suffering has eternal rewards.🙏🏼

[CatieladyB]

The suffering that Christ went through on the cross we can't even imagine! But He laid down His life for us so we should be willing to suffer for Him!

[rickyz]

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

[CatieladyB]

AMEN!

[CatieladyB]

Isaiah 48:10 - Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Everything that happens to us is meant to help us grow in Christ.

[dhenning3]

Isaiah is a very empowering and encouraging book. Definitely one of my favorites!