Tribulation and The Cross

Jesus said we would have tribulation in this life.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16: 33).

Jesus also said the narrow way was the only path to life. The word "narrow" in the Greek also means "affliction, pressure and suffering tribulation". Throughout the Bible words like "strait" and "narrow" were used to express affliction, oppression, sorrow, and trouble.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

It's no wonder that few find the narrow way and the strait gate. None of us wants suffering. The truth is that we suffer whether we want to or not. Most of us are confused by it. It is only made worse when we deny it and resist it. When we surrender to God in the midst of our trials, He will squeeze us through the narrow way. In the process, we will leave the old man behind and find ourselves brand new on the other side. Death to self will work in us so that the life of Jesus may work in others (2 Corinthians 4:12). Then we will truly be His witnesses.

It is "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Going through tribulation to its finale is overcoming. And "He that endureth (stays under or through suffering) to the end shall be saved (healed, delivered, made whole)" (Matthew 10:22).