The Things We Endure, Because He Endured for Us

Acts 9:15-16 ESV

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he (Saul) is a chosen instrument of Mine (Jesus) to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name.” 

Saul, to become Paul shortly after his conversion, was a vile sinner, but he was chosen by God to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles, to Kings, to Israel and eventually to the world. Why? Because Jesus saw his tenacity, and his courage? Possibly, but I think it was more than that.

Jesus saw something in Paul that Paul didn’t see in himself. Yes, his tenacity and courage, but also his vulnerability, his passion for the work of God, his ability to endure hardship and keep on going.

Jesus sees things in us that we don’t know is there. He sees gifts and qualities in us that He needs, qualities that will make a difference. Qualities to share hope with people, to care for people, to lift people up and to introduce them to Jesus.

Paul definitely endured a lot. He endured hardships that we can’t imagine, but he also knew that those hardships were nothing compared to what Christ endured for our sake. 

We endure things that may not make sense right now. Some of those things we will see the fruit of them later, some will be after we are gone from this world.

Paul said, “…I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

Prayer:

Lord, I echo the words of Isaiah, “Here am I send me.” I am willing to follow You Lord. Use me for Your glory, use me for sharing Your words, use me to be a reflection of your light and life. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!