"They preached the good news 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 (NIV)
Paul and Barnabas travelled about preaching and teaching about Jesus. While large numbers of Jews and Gentiles heard them and believed, there were also large numbers of people who did not believe them and wanted to stone them. They left those cities and went elsewhere to preach the gospel, but the later returned to the cities where they were both loved and hated. At the risk of harm to themselves, their purpose was to encourage the believers to keep the faith.
Most of us do not live in countries where we are persecuted for our beliefs. However, during these difficult economic times, a lot of us are experiencing hardships of one kind or another. We are bombarded daily with all kinds of non-Christian philosophies and temptations that test our faith. We need to stand strong as we deal with our many trials and tribulations and we need to encourage others to do likewise. The words we say to encourage others, may very well be helpful to us also. Remember, God will never leave us, or forsake us. If He brought us to it, He can bring us through it.
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