What Tough Times Teach Us
Broadcast Episode Summary
The phrase What Tough Times Teach Us encapsulates the essence of enduring hardships and the lessons learned through faith. This article provides valuable insights into the significance of perseverance in challenging situations.
- Recognize that tough times often serve as a path to spiritual growth and maturity.
- Understand the importance of community support in overcoming challenges and maintaining faith.
- Embrace resistance as a sign that one is on the right path in their spiritual journey.
- Be inspired by the example of Paul, who prioritized encouraging others over his own safety.
- Acknowledge that hardships can lead to profound insights and strengthen one’s resolve in faith.
What Tough Times Teach Us
This is Cornerstone Connection, the radio ministry of Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia. Pastor Gary is teaching through ACTS. Good morning! Paul understood something: persecution was rampant against Christians and the early church. He wanted to strengthen the souls of the disciples and encourage them not to give up on their faith. In the course of his teachings, he stated, “We must, through many tribulations, enter the Kingdom of God.” This phrase resonates deeply. How far would individuals go for something they believe in? Would they willingly put themselves in uncomfortable or painful situations? In today’s message, Pastor Gary illustrates the extent one should be willing to go to share the gospel.
As Christians, one of the most important goals should be to see all believers reach heaven, even if it means enduring hardship. Often, resistance signifies that one is on the right path. At the close of Pastor Gary’s message, listeners will learn how to get a copy of today’s broadcast of Cornerstone Connection. For now, let’s join Pastor Gary in the Book of Acts Chapter 14 as he begins his message on what tough times teach us.
Paul’s Missionary Journey
In the Book of Acts, Paul embarks on three missionary tours throughout Asia Minor and into Europe to spread the good news of Jesus. He aimed to help people understand how they can have a relationship with Him and receive forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul customarily visited a Jewish synagogue first, if available, before reaching out to the non-Jewish population. He was primarily sent to the Gentiles to share the good news.
Chapters 13 and 14 of Acts detail Paul’s first missionary journey, which occurred around 46 to 48 AD and lasted two years. During this journey, Paul arrives in Lystra, a city located in modern Turkey. In Lystra, he encounters a man who has been crippled from birth, unable to walk. God uses Paul as a vessel to perform a miracle and heal this man. It’s essential to pay attention to both the miracle and the crowd’s reaction.
The Miracle and Its Reactions
Upon witnessing the miracle, the crowd first venerates Paul and Barnabas, believing them to be gods. They call Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, as Paul was the chief speaker. However, when the apostles hear this, they tear their clothes and rush to calm the crowd, explaining that they are merely men like them. They preach about turning away from useless idols to the living God who created everything.
Despite their efforts, the crowd is soon swayed by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who convince them that Paul and Barnabas are imposters. The crowd turns on Paul, stoning him and dragging him out of the city, believing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gather around him, Paul rises and continues his mission.
Strengthening the Disciples
After enduring beating and near-death experience, Paul moves to the next city, Derbe, where he preaches the gospel and makes many disciples. Following this, he returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in their faith. He reminds them, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” This message emphasizes the necessity of perseverance through difficult times.
Paul’s willingness to return to Lystra, the very city where he faced death, showcases his dedication to encouraging the church. His desire to uplift others outweighed his fear of danger. This profound commitment teaches us that tough times, while challenging, can lead to growth and strength in faith.
In reflecting on these biblical events, individuals can find inspiration. Tough times teach resilience and the importance of supporting one another in faith. They highlight that hardships are often part of the journey toward spiritual growth and maturity. Whether facing personal struggles or societal challenges, the call remains to strengthen one another and remain steadfast in belief.
Conclusion
In exploring what tough times teach us, the message conveyed is clear: hardships can lead to significant spiritual growth and resilience. As illustrated through Paul’s journey, enduring challenges often comes with the understanding that faith strengthens through adversity. The call to encourage one another during difficult times is essential for maintaining a strong community of believers. By embracing the lessons learned through struggles, individuals can foster a deeper commitment to their faith. Stay steadfast and remember that every trial faced is an opportunity for growth. How will you apply these lessons in your own life?
Originally published as “What Tough Times Teach Us” from Cornerstone Connection.