TOPIC: Tribulation Before Triumph
TEXT: Acts 14:19-28
KEY VERSE:
“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” – (Acts 14:21,22).
DCLM DAILY MANNA 18 APRIL 2019 MESSAGE:
A recruiting sergeant often slips a shilling into the hand of some ignorant youths, and tells them that military service is a fine thing, that he has nothing to do but walk about in his flaming colours, do parades, march pass and be involved in flamboyant ceremonies – that he will have no hard service; in fact, that he has nothing to do but to be a soldier, and go straight on to glory. When such youths eventually enlist in the army, they discover that life as a soldier is far from a bed of roses; that there are inconvenient exercises, hard battle to be fought and that there is a possibility of dying in service. DCLM Daily Manna 18 April 2019
Paul the apostle, in the text, did not attempt to describe discipleship to the new converts by highlighting only the pleasantness and joy in Christ while shielding away the hard truths of tribulation and sorrow which often interjects the joy of the believer. Paul himself demonstrated remarkable courage by venturing into the very places where he had been persecuted and stoned. In the face of danger, he returned to encourage and console the converts that, “they must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”.
DCLM Daily Manna 18 April 2019 – Tribulation Before Triumph
There are times when ministers should not count their own lives dear unto them when they find themselves in the midst of danger; they must confide only in the protecting care of their God and Saviour.
As believer, though all things are apparently against you now, roll off your griefs, there is a saving clause. Somehow He will deliver you, and somewhere He will provide for you. And why not let the glory that shall be revealed after our tribulation be a source of consolation to you?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: When God ordains, He sustains.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 22-23
DCLM Daily Manna 18 April 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
