Acts 21:1-6

Paul knew what awaited him in Jerusalem, and now the believers did too. Not unlike Jesus telling His disciples what awaited Him—and what would eventually await them—it seems that Paul was equally resolved to complete the mission God had given him.

Our natural reaction to news like this, especially when it involves someone we love, is to tell them to avoid the trouble. Yet sometimes God is sending us into the trouble for His own purposes. Paul knew God was leading him to Jerusalem and was determined to go. Like Peter rebuking the Lord after Jesus revealed what awaited Him there, the believers here appear to be doing something similar. It had to be a difficult and emotional moment for everyone.

God does not shield us from difficult moments, but He does promise to be with us in them. His presence is all we need, as Paul learned through his exchange with the Lord concerning the "thorn in the flesh." While there are different views on what Paul's thorn was, I am inclined to believe it referred, at least in part, to the relentless persecution he endured from town to town. Whatever the case, God's answer was clear: "My grace is sufficient for you." His grace—His empowering presence—was enough to sustain Paul through every trial.

The same is true for us. We are often built and strengthened through the very things that buffet us. That doesn't mean we should go looking for trouble. Rather, we should recognize that if we stand with Christ, we will inevitably face opposition from the world—just as Jesus warned we would. Yet through it all, we can rest in the same confidence Paul had: God's grace is sufficient for us.