I have come to conclude after studying Acts 9:1-16 that I am no better than Paul. This brother suffered greatly in the name of Christ. He...

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• Worked harder than others
• Put in prison more often
• Whipped so many times no one really can keep count
• Faced death over and over again
• Five times, Jewish leaders gave him 39 lashes
• Three times beaten with rods
• Stoned once
• Three times shipwrecked
• Drifted at sea
• Many of his journeys were long
• Faced danger from rivers
• Faced danger from robbers
• Faced danger from his own people – the Jews and the Gentiles
• Faced danger in the city
• Faced danger in the desert
• Faced danger on the seas
• Faced danger from men who claim to be believers, but are not
• Endured many sleepless nights
• Been hungry and thirsty and gone without food
• Shivered in the cold and went without clothes to keep him warm
• Daily has his burden for the churches

So who I am to pout when a few individuals band together to attempt to block or hinder what God has placed upon my heart. For I am nobody - just a simple instrument that God has seen worthy to use. So like Paul, I will take pleasure in insults, hardships, persecutions, troubles and in my own weaknesses. For I have a willing heart, a will to suffer for Christ because I have been blessed to see his wonderful revelations and to experience his power through my own weaknesses (1 Corinthians 12:7-10).