In the community I grew up in, we were always informed of what NOT to do. We were told not to go to movie theaters, not to dress a certain way, and not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Some of the advice was helpful and some was not. In the book of Acts chapter 21, Paul was informed by credible people about the suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem and was told not to go there. Suffering is a word that few people discuss, let alone write about. Who wants to hear about suffering? Just the very thought of it makes me uncomfortable. I'm not even going to pretend that I fully understand it.

Paul, however, was a man who endured much suffering in his ministry. He was put in prison, kicked out of almost every town and was even stoned to near death among other things. This was nothing unexpected as God told Ananias when Paul was saved, "how much Paul would have to suffer for His name's sake." If I was Ananias, I'd be wondering how much suffering is enough. Why should any believer in the God of the universe have to go through this ordeal?

It doesn't make any sense until you look at the life of Jesus. The bible tells us that he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I believe that He endured more hardships than anyone else in this world. He was falsely accused, given an unfair trial, beaten, mocked and finally killed on a cross like a criminal when all along HE WAS THE KING. Theologians tell us that suffering exists because of sin. In other words, it was my sin that nailed him to the cross. He suffered and died so that I might live and have new life.

If my Savior suffered and overcame then why would it be any different for me? Jesus said “if anyone desire to come after me then he must take up his cross and follow me.” The cross can be a symbol of love and sacrifice but it was also a symbol of suffering and shame. The cross is something that Jesus said we have to carry if we want to be his follower. If you're weary because of persecution, grief, sorrow or difficulties in your life know that Jesus went through it all and He overcame victoriously. Because He lives, you too can live. Paul was ready to embrace the suffering that awaited him. In Acts 21 Paul told those who were concerned about his future “I am ready not only to be bound, but also die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."