After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, "It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God." - Acts 14:22
Aren't you thankful for the "encouragers" in your life? We all eventually pass through Bunyan's "slough of despond" or just get a little weary in well-doing. At times like these, God's encouragers are a welcome presence.
As Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch from their first missionary journey, they took the time to retrace their steps and encourage the new disciples along the route. The content of this "encouragement," however, may surprise you. You see, the goal, our goal in encouraging "disciples" is not filled with empty atta-boy's, but rather the aim should be a strengthened heart. The work of Christ often takes all of your heart and soul and both must remain strong in Him.
So, Paul and Barnabas did what we must do. They spoke first of faithful service and second of troubles to come; the latter an inevitable part of our path into the Kingdom (and an assurance for the citizen of it) and the former a proof that we belong there.
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility; for it thinks all things lawful for itself, and all things possible. - Thomas à Kempis
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