Focal Pointe Week #23
Suffering
Acts 9:15-16 (ESV)
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Sometimes our service to the Lord involves suffering for the Lord. This is something the A
postle Paul learned in time. You see, a “few years” earlier, Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” Matthew 16:24 (ESV). It doesn’t sound easy, that’s for sure! There are crosses to carry, desires to deny, and burdens to bear. It’s the rule, not the exception! Such is the way of all who want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus ministry. But don’t worry, you’re in good company. Paul described the details of his service…
23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one-I am talking like a madman-with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (ESV)
It doesn’t sound easy does it? But is it worth it? Oh yes! Friends, God’s calling on your life, his master plan for your ministry, its well worth the aches and pains! Don’t give up!
Paul wrote to his friends in Rome…
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” Romans 8:18 (ESV).
How true it is! Don’t lose heart! Consider your difficulties a part of God’s master plan for your ministry, the fruit of your calling. And then give thanks to Jesus that you’re just following in his footsteps!
God bless you
Shane
