Serving God Won’t Always Lead Us To A Happy And Exciting Life
When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Acts 20: 36-38, NIV
Paul experienced many painful things while doing God’s ministry. When he met with the Ephesian leaders, he expressed his heart as their shepherd and then prayed for them. After that, they all wept for him because it grieved them to know that they would never see his face again.
These moments were heartbreaking. We somehow thought that when we follow God, we would no longer experience painful situations like this, but Paul’s ministry proved that we won’t be protected from pain. Following Jesus and doing His will won’t assure us that our lives will be comfortable.
And this is part of the reality that we need to face. Serving God won’t always lead us to a happy and exciting life. Sometimes, there will be seasons of heartbreaks and goodbyes. But despite all these, Paul’s life proved to us that God is more powerful than the pain we feel inside.
He sustained Paul all throughout His ministry. The apostle may experience uncomfortable moments, but the Holy Spirit was there, giving him more than enough grace.
So if you are following Jesus right now, and you are going through what Paul experienced, then keep this in mind: The Lord will sustain you. His grace will be there to strengthen you.
Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for giving us the chance to know more about you. Thank you for leading us close to your arms. We pray for a heart like Paul who’s willing to endure even in the midst of pain. Teach us how to be faithful to you. Remind us, Lord, to keep going, especially in moments of hardships and difficulties. This I ask, and pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
