They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. 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,” they said. Acts 14:21-22
“The first missionary journey was a success because the Lord was the mission director. He directed the missionaries and opened the hearts of those who were being evangelized. Without God’s power, our mission in the world is ineffective. The other lesson to be learned from this mission is that the work of the gospel involves both joy and suffering. In other words, we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
Paul Mumo Kisau (Kenya) in “Acts” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) 1352.
Why does a generous God allow us to experience both joy and suffering in our service to Him?
Here’s some thoughts from my experience of two weeks in West Africa. Not only is the Holy Spirit the power of ministry, working in hearts and transforming lives. As pretty much nothing went as we expected, we saw vividly that we were not in control. So, the gift of joy and suffering in service to God humbles us and helps us see who we are and more clearly who God is. He’s the Mission Director.
And the Mission Director led us to four West African countries. We served and returned rejoicing with fruits because He is faithful.
Where is He directing you? What would it look like to trust in His power and not your own? Are you ready to endure hardships? These are real questions we must ask ourselves. If we follow God’s leading, we experience His generous provision and protection, which will not so much save us from storms but through them. And we discover His presence often best in the storms as He’s with us.