#soap # Acts 14 ## Title: Expect Difficulty with Joy ## Scripture: (Acts 14:22) 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.” (NET) ## Observation: One of the odd observations by non-Christians is when they see Christians accept hardship with joy. This does not mean that they are excited about hardships or that hardships are looked for as some type of happy event. It is the lack of fear that surprises people. For Christians, it is not that we enjoy difficulty. The reality is we know that it is in the darkest moments where the light shines the brightest. Peter was able to see Jesus walk on water, but he had to be in a life-threatening storm first. Paul was visited by an angel who delivered a message of hope, but he had to be threatened with going down in a ship due to a storm. Moses received a burning bush experience, but he had to be a wanted fugitive for 40 years. God does amazing things when our back is up against the wall. That is what we call a miracle. So, we expect difficulty, but do so with joy. We know God is bigger and cannot wait to see what He does next. ## Application: When you enter tough times, start looking for Jesus. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for walking with us through every valley.