April 4
“[Paul and Barnabas] returned… strengthening
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God.’
ACTS 14:22
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God.’
ACTS 14:22
Our idea of overcoming is to avoid tribulation, not pass through it. We certainly do not connect entering the Kingdom with going through tribulation. We think having the victory means eliminating all tribulation. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In order to enter the Kingdom there must be an increase of Christ and a decrease of Self. This is an ongoing process, and by it we judge how far along the Path we have progressed.
But how is Self decreased? The answer is in our circumstances and trials. They are sufficient to decrease us. We need not do anything but wait for them to come, and see them as our opportunity to have Self decreased and Christ increased.
Source: “The Irresistible Kingdom” by Chip Brogden
