When the apostles strengthened the souls of the disciples, they said, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). Doesn’t that seem like a strange way to strengthen their souls?
When encountering tribulation or difficulties, most people focus on the thing or person causing the tribulation. However, 2 Corinthians 3:18 encourages a different approach: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image….”
In this message, Arild Tombre explains what Johan Oscar Smith thought about the important connection between tribulations, our indwelling sin, seeing the glory of the Lord, and being transformed to the same glory. To be tempted is tribulation; God shows me areas in my nature that I must confront. When I confront and deal with my nature, I partake in the glory of the Lord – His nature. This occurs when I face adversity, if I do this rather than focusing on the difficulty.
The promise from the verses above about this transformation through tribulations is very well suited to strengthening the souls of the disciples.
“That is how it was for Brother Smith, and that is how it is for those who are ,” says Tombre.
Watch Tombre’s entire message in the window above.