Enduring Service

October 16

(Acts 20:19 NIV) "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews."

(Acts 20:23 NIV) "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me."

(2 Corinthians 6:3-10 NIV) "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. {4} Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; {5} in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; {6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; {7} in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; {8} through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; {9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; {10} sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Paul was “severely tested”, even to the point of tears. God told him that he would suffer, yet he forged ahead. He endured beatings, prison, hunger, pain, and other hardships, but his love for Jesus and his calling to preach the gospel just got stronger. When things got tough, Paul endured. Genuine disciples expect some pain and difficulty. They work through adversity, rather than being defeated by it. They expect the road to be rough, and yet they press on. This is our calling. Tune out those teachers who promise unending spiritual bliss if you buy their book and follow their advice. That is unbiblical teaching. Every true disciple will endure some hardship and pain. Stop whining and start working! Consider those who’ve gone ahead of you and who’ve suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. Draw strength from their example. Accept what comes, and give glory to God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day