From Saints Paul and Barnabas, comes the following saying/teaching:
Through many troubles must we enter the kingdom of God.
(Acts 14:22)
The Greek word for “troubles” may also be translated, ‘afflictions,’ ‘persecutions,’ or ‘distress.’ A person travelling the road to heaven should expect to be tested with all manner of hardship.
It’s funny that believers are told in Scripture (e.g., Lk 18:25; Mt 7:14) to lookout for difficulties because difficulties are necessary and this is considered encouraging, promising. What?! [Wouldn’t it be better to find a religion or philosophy that leads one onto a path with less problems?] Jesus of Nazareth was on a quest for disciples, but taught those who accepted his challenge – “follow me” – to presume bad things will come. [A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you. (Jn 15:20 NCB)] Yes, this is a basic truth of the Christian way.
Saul/Paul and Barnabas came together in Antioch to begin a Christian mission (see Acts of the Apostles chap. 13f) and made converts to the new faith, but also experienced interference and persecution, yet they persevered. Said Paul,
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. (1 Cor 11:24ff NIV)
Epistle of Barnabas states,
For these are evil days, with the Worker of Evil himself in the ascendant..1
Time of trouble gives way to perpetual peace and joy in Christian faith and thought. This is salvation.
Note
1. Epistle of Barnabas 2:1, tr. Maxwell Staniforth in Early Christian Writings (NY: Penguin, 1987), p. 159
Paul's Place for Writing 
This is what the real Christian walk is about. It is not a tiptoe through the tulips religion. If Jesus, who set the example, suffered—as did his disciples, do we think we are going to escape life’s trials especially now in this age? There are no backstage passes to the Kingdom of God! Great post Paul. The truth and nothing but the truth so help you God. Blessings and Peace!
Thanks so much for your comment, Claudia. I especially like your sentence, “there are no backstage passes to the Kingdom of God!” No, Christians have to go through trials & tribulations in this earthly life. We share this ‘fate’ with Jesus. I’m reminded of John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress,’ all the trials and testings that his character, Christian, had to go through. Peace & blessing to you, Claudia.