Paul and Barnabas gave the believers a realistic expectation when they preached to them and encouraged them to persevere. Those who see the world through rose-colored glasses need this reality check that Paul & Barnabas gave. They were echoing the words of our Lord Jesus.

“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 ‭MSG‬‬

So here are some of the “various” types of hard time you will face as a follower of Jesus.

• Expect tribulation (John 16:33)

• Expect persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Expect spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20

• Expect storms (Acts 27)

• Expect times of discouragement (2 Corinthians 1:3-6, 6)

Following Jesus involves being on that narrow and difficult path. Though there is pain, difficulty and discouragement there is also joy, glory, comfort & encouragement (2 Cor. 4:18, Philippians 2:1-2,)

Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world is what our Lord said!