How to Handle Affliction and SufferingSample

Paul considered the spread of the Gospel more important than his own life

“The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:23-24)

In Acts 9:15-16, God says about Paul: “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”. Years later, Paul had experienced much suffering indeed. And he knew that more hardships were awaiting him. Other people urged him not to go to Jerusalem, since the Holy Spirit had testified that he would be imprisoned there. However, Paul was determined to continue his mission. He told his friends, “I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

Paul’s life could have been much easier and much more comfortable if he had given up on his missionary work. But no, Paul says, finishing the work that the Lord Jesus gave him to do was worth the suffering. Sharing the Gospel was so important that Paul was ready to give up his life for it. He was confident that God would reward him abundantly for his faithful service (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Are you ready to make sacrifices for the spread of the Gospel?