June 18, 2022 - 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

“…I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NLT

Lord, as we read some of the things that Paul endured it makes most of our lives look like a piece of cake. Most of us have never been to prison or been beaten for our beliefs. Most of us have not endured the dangers and suffering that Paul endured as he traveled to share your gospel. Life today in general makes it so much easier to spread your gospel. We can arrive in most of the places on the planet with only a day or two of travel. We have vehicles, clothes, and supplies that make reaching even the hardest places or those with the most extreme temperatures possible in a somewhat comfortable manner. Taking your gospel to the ends of the earth is a totally different situation than it was even 1.5 centuries ago. Yet, we can find all kinds of reasons not to go. Help us be like Paul, willing to suffer to take your gospel to the lost. Lord, you are worthy of our suffering! We want to be willing to help carry your burden!

In Jesus name, amen.