Friday 8 May 2026

Psalm 42

Background
Paul and Barnabas did not soften the truth for new believers: “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” (v. 22) These words come from lived experience. Paul had just been stoned and left for dead, yet he returned to strengthen the disciples. The Early Church was not built on comfort, but on resilient faith anchored in Christ. From the very beginning, the message of God's kingdom has included both glory and suffering.

This reflects a deep biblical pattern. Jesus himself taught that the path to eternal life is narrow and costly, and he called his followers to take up their cross daily. The kingdom of God advances not through ease, but through endurance. Hardship is not a sign that God is absent; often, it is evidence that we are walking the same road as Christ. In fact, we must expect opposition and persecution as we follow Jesus. We are in a spiritual battle, and this will lead to real suffering or hardship as we make a stand for Christ. The hardships that Paul is talking about are not simply the challenges that come to all lives, but the specific ones arising from our witness to Jesus.

Until Christ returns, hardship is part of the journey. But these challenges can be used by God to shape us – to strip away self-reliance and draw us closer to God. This is not the reason for trials, but it can be a worthwhile outcome from them if we approach them with the right attitude. Trials refine faith, deepen dependence on God, and shape Christ-like character. Paul would later echo this truth: “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Yet God does not leave us unsupported. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord. Perseverance in hardship is nurtured in community. And Paul and Barnabas had each other for comfort and community as they travelled. They did not undertake missionary journeys or tasks alone.

To Ponder:

• How do you respond when following Jesus leads to difficulty rather than to ease?
• What moments of discrimination, injustice or persecution have you experienced for following Jesus?
• Who is in your Christian community, enabling you both to offer and receive support?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, when hardships come, help me not to lose heart or turn away. Strengthen my faith so that persecution draws me closer to you, not drives me further away. Teach me to trust that you are working even in difficulty, shaping my life for your purposes. Surround me with wise and faithful people who can encourage and guide me. And give me perseverance to continue walking in your ways and talking to others about your grace. Amen.

Bible notes author: Mark Williamson
Mark Williamson works for One Rock International, helping Christian leaders to start up and scale up mission projects. Methodist lay leaders are invited to join the next online One Rock Institute course of training and coaching in Christian leadership, starting in September 2026 – see https://onerockinternational.com/institute/.  Mark is also chair of Fresh Expressions UK, a local preacher, and a member of Methodist Central Hall Westminster.