Perseverance

Act 14:21-22 - "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
Paul made it clear to the church in the cities mentioned above, "continue in the faith." The Amplified Version says that Paul was "urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith." Basically, we as Christians have to learn and develop perseverance (patience). Trials and affliction are part of this life and just because we are born again does not exclude us from the reality of disappointment, struggles, heartaches and pain. We will enter eternity trough "much tribulation" in this life. Paul said it well in Romans 5:3-5: "...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." There is a purpose in the pain, so don't despair traveling pilgrim, for Jesus made it clear when He spoke: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." What a consolation, I will over come through Jesus Christ!