They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 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. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Acts 14:21-28

Bottom Line

A resilient faith doesn't happen accidentally; it needs to be strengthened in order to last.

Encouragement to persevere in following Jesus

encouraging them to remain true to the faith
Acts 14:22

Be real about the hardships that are coming

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Acts 14:22

Create a structure that will lead them into God's grace

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 14:23

Action Steps

• Reflect - Where is God inviting you to strengthen others? Where is God inviting you to be more open to the strengthening God wants to do in you?
• Be real with someone about what struggles you're going through
• Commit to something that will lead you into God's grace