The Gospel of Hardship

July 15

(Acts 14:22b NIV) "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

(John 15:20 NIV)  "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

(John 16:33 NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

(1 Peter 4:12 NIV) "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."

Paul and Barnabas experienced hardship as they preached the gospel. Their gospel was different from the one we often hear today -- it was a gospel of hardship. This gospel may not match up with our theology of prosperity and blessing, but it is documented in the pages of Scripture, and has been written in the blood of believers who have lived before us. This may sound like heresy in these days when the church is married to comfort and ease, but it would appear that hardship is sometimes God’s will for His people. Jesus promised us that in this world we would have trouble: the apostle Peter said not to be surprised by painful trials we suffer, and Paul preaches that we must go through “many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”. How many voices will it take before we get the message? We will need an enduring faith because the gospel is a gospel of hardship. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day