The Loser’s Plan
Hardships – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Acts 14:21-25

Key Verse: Acts 14:22

…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.

I want to give some specifics to yesterday’s discussion of suffering hardships for the kingdom of God’s sake.  If this is the plan, we need to understand it clearly and not be surprised when hardships come our way.  First, becoming a big loser in God’s kingdom will hit our money.  Jesus knew how difficult this one area would be and dealt with it often.  If we are going to win the prize, we must suffer hardship in the financial part of our lives.  Getting rich cannot be a goal for a sincere Christ follower.  If a Christ follower is blessed with lots of money, they must continually seek God’s will on how to give it away to bless His kingdom and other people.  In other words, for all of us who give a true tithe (10% of our income) to kingdom purpose, we could have more stuff if we didn’t.  We voluntarily live on less, not enjoying many worldly goods, because we cheerfully give to the Lord.  A world view calls that “suffering hardship.”

            Secondly, suffering hardship comes in the form of our time and energy.  We have less time for ourselves because we worship together and find ways to serve others.  Again, we understand the eternal reward for this type of sacrifice, but the world looks on and sees “hardship.”  Let me encourage you: You will suffer many hardships.

Father, take my life and let it be totally consecrated, Lord, to thee.  If this means to have less money and time, I am willing.  In Jesus’ name, amen.