“After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy: ‘Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times.'” (Acts 14:21-22, The Message)
Expectations. Set forth clear expectations today, and you will avoid a great deal of misunderstanding and disappointment tomorrow.
As disciples of Jesus, we are told numerous times in the scriptures to expect hardship, resistance, and trial for the sake of the Good News. Difficulties come with being a citizen of heaven. Expect it.
We are also told numerous times in the scriptures to expect the presence of God’s Holy Spirit in every circumstance, to empower, to cheer, and to guide us.
Are our expectations as God’s people based on God’s word, or are our expectations based on something else? – Luther
Daily Encouragement 