I get knocked down, but I get up again

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 14:22

In other words, when we hear the voice of God we will have trouble. It’s a normal thing.  But that’s how it goes in this unseen city, where everything is turned upside down. The bible gives many examples of this:

•  the last will be first, and the first will be last
• love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
•  Blessed are the poor in spirit
• Forgive 70×7
• Turn the other cheek
• In order to live, you must die

I love what my Pastor said yesterday in his message on John 17 & how it relates to Acts 14:22,

“Sometimes this life has to get a little more uncomfortable, so we can get excited about the next.”

Jesus knows the crazy stuff we face “down here”. He lived through it. I think the phrase in verse 22 “ we must go through” is a huge piece of the puzzle & something big to consider. Jesus went “through it” by way of the Cross, and so must we. This isn’t our “best life now”, that’s for sure.

I can’t help but think of that catchy British hit by Chumbawamba, they sang, “ I get knocked down, but I get up again.” Not the most spiritual song by any means, but we’ve got to have this mindset in the context of entering God’s Kingdom.

We’re just following in Christ’s footsteps, aren’t we? Our scars & difficulties are greater evidences of our testimony.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable, don’t fret my friend … it’s “normal”. Let your hardships motivate you to go further in your walk with Christ and closer to entering the Kingdom, our true home.

~ Erin Ramsey

Father, Thank you for going through it down here so that we can be with you forever. You know what we face in this world to follow You and we need Your help everyday. Help us through our hardships and lead us closer to you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you facing hardships right now? Are you praying  for God to lead you through it?  Are you praying for those around you going through hard times?  Are you excited about the future?

Additional Scriptures to study:

• Matthew 20:16
• Matthew 5:44
• Matthew 5:3
• Matthew 18
• Matthew 5:39
• John 11:25