The wrong kind of encouragement … or is it?
Enter the Kingdom of God
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After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch. They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions.”
Acts 14:21-22 (NET)
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Oh…
I’m not sure I want that kind of encouragement.
Why can’t things just be all easy and blissful?
It’s not time for that right now -- we’re in a war.
Paul spoke to Timothy about how he fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
His mission required a lot of grueling work, a ton of agonizing prayer, and plenty of trials.
Exactly the kind of thing you would expect from a soldier in the middle of the battle-field.
But there’s also some excellent news:
We already know who wins, and it’s Jesus.
He won the war when He sacrificed His life on the cross.
The rest is spreading that message of the good news to the world.
Yet we don’t stop and sharing the Gospel once -- we see in these verses that they raised up many disciples (which requires training) and encouraged current disciples and helped them understand the reality of the war we face.
Despite my immature feelings of wanting an easy Christian walk, Jesus is still better than all the world could throw at me.
Obviously, I’m not in the place right now where that’s my attitude 100% of the time.
But Christ is working on me. Helping me to walk further with Him and to see the true beauty He brings to the universe.
Some day I hope my attitude gets completely aligned with His heart.
Until then, I hope you’re also encouraged to walk further with Jesus today.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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