- Acts 14:22 (NKJV) …strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.
With the wonderful weather we have had the last few days, Sonja decided one evening that we would eat dinner on the back poach. It was a beautiful evening, the meal was good and it was good to have a few moments of peace and quiet with my wife. However, I knew that there would be one problem. Sure enough in just a few moments I had already accumulated four or five new mosquito bites. During the same time Sonja had not had one nibble.
I don’t know why, but I am a mosquito magnet. Where others will hardly be bothered, I’ll have to tie a ball and chain around my ankle to keep from being hauled off by bloodthirsty mosquitoes. Bottom line, mosquitos love me; there’s probably generations of them that burn candles to me each night as their patron saint! 
I’ve not shared this little bit of “Kemp trivia” to fish for sympathy. No the reason I’ve shared this is to offer a little encouragement to you when you’re going through real difficulty.
I knew when Sonja wanted to serve dinner outside that I was going to take a hit, however, I was willing to join her because it was worth it. The trade-off for battling bloodthirsty mosquitoes was getting to enjoy a beautiful September evening with my wife. It was more than worth it.
In the same way, the Bible is very clear that we will have to go through many tribulations in this life. Expect it, there are going to be test, trials and tribulations. But be of good courage, strengthen yourself, continue in the faith – you shall make it! Furthermore, on this journey called “life” – you can count on the fact that God will send you the help you need and He will also provide moments of joy that will make any sacrifice worth it.
So hang in there my dear friend – you’ve got what it takes.
James 1:2 (NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…
The ONE THING 