Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”  NIV
God has a plan for you . . . and it includes lots of suffering!  We don’t hear that statement much in evangelism circles.  Most tracts speak more about a “golden parachute” than fiery trails.  Would you sign up as a follower of Christ if you knew the cost?

In mediation, I constantly deal with what is “fair,”  what is “my right.”  These are certainly legitimate questions when it comes to legal matters.  However, more often than not, it is more about retribution, or making the other party pay.  There were moments when Paul stood up for his rights.  He wanted the Philippian magistrates to escort him and Silas out of the city acknowledging they had publicly beaten a Roman citizen.  Paul was beaten, imprisoned, stoned and left for dead countless times.  He wound up in Rome under house arrest and beheaded.

What if, as followers of Christ, we expected suffering?  What if we knew the prize was worth the price?  What if we knew God would do amazing things through us?  We could see churches planted, lives restored, and cities changed?  Paul died with no regrets.  He ran the race.  His life was poured out.  He received all that was stored up for him.   I want that said of my life.  Will I pay the price?

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