Sometimes we think that because we are born again Christians we should live in a bubble of protection and be able to live a life of ease.  But Jesus says, "This is not so."  He said there would always be tribulations and difficulties in this world.  A lady once asked a minister to pray for her that she would have no problems and that the devil would not be able to attack her in any way.  The minister then began to pray for her, asking God to take her to Heaven immediately.  The lady stopped him and said, "I don't want to die, I just want to be free of problems."  The minister then explained that the only way to be totally free from tribulations would to be to enter the gates of Heaven, for it is only there that all of our trails are ended and our tears are wiped away.

Even though we are destined to experience difficulties in this world, Jesus told us to be cheerful and to understand that He is in control.  He has overcome all of the forces of evil.  It is a finished work.  He speaks these encouraging words to us in advance to prepare us and give us strength so that we may be able to maintain our inner peace.  When conflicts come, we can be assured that Jesus has a plan and we can rest in the fact that all things are going to work out for our good.

Acts 14:22 tells us that just a few days after Paul had been stoned and left for dead, he exhorted the people to continue in faith, saying that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.  Paul's encouraging words to endure tribulations were not empty words spoken by a man who had not experienced difficulty.  If I had been stoned and left for dead, I would probably tell you to run and hide when you were faced with the same adversity.  But Paul told us to "glory in tribulations" because by the time they are finished we will have gained several qualities (Romans 5:3-5).  Tribulations will work patience.  Patience will work experience or prove our character.  Experience will develop hope, and hope will cause the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts.  The Message Bible says it another way.  When the tribulation is finished, "We're never left feeling shortchanged.  Quite the contrary -- we can't round up enough containers to hold everything that God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"  So when tribulations come, and they will, be cheerful knowing