Paul and Barnabas were not content to simply gain professions of faith, but they were obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples. They were intentional about nurturing their converts to maturity. Luke, the author of the book of Acts, outlined their strategy:

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

The word strengthening literally means to firmly establish and make stronger. This verb is used only in the book of Acts in the context of equipping disciples. The way they strengthened them was by encouraging them in their faith. Encouraging literally means to call one alongside and that is an apt picture of the relationship as Christians edify one another.

Life can be challenging and we may grow weary and lose heart. That’s why we need to continue in the faith. Hardships are to be expected as a normal part of the Christian life. Luke does not record that we can bypass the tribulations, but that we are to go through them. Although there are momentary difficulties, as we emerge on the other side we may experience joy (Psalm 30:5).

How are you handling the tribulations of life? The word tribulation conveys the idea of pressing together. This does not refer to minor inconveniences, but genuine hardships. We would prefer to take the easy route, but the Apostle Peter reveals that hardships prove our faith:

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:7)

God allows us to encounter situations that are too much for us so that we will learn that no situation is too much for Him – don’t lose heart. God has never promised that Christians would miss the storm, but He has promised that His children will make the harbor.

A religious faith is only one generation from extinction. How can we guard our faith from extinction? As we strengthen others to suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3) we will persevere.