When Paul was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians, he was confronted by the Lord Jesus in a vision.  “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”  (NASB Acts 9:5-6)

In Damascus, Ananias was told to go and lay his hands on Paul to receive his sight.  He was also told of Paul’s future ministry.  “…he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”          (NASB Acts 9:15-16)

As Paul entered Philippi and Thessalonica, what did he do?  He looked for Jewish synagogues…he didn’t find one in Philippi but he did find a group of women at a riverside.  In Thessalonica, he found a synagogue and proclaimed the Lord Jesus.

Paul was consistent in his actions, even though he did not know how the message of Messiah Jesus would be received.  Paul’s love and concern was for his brothers, the Jews.  But he was not deterred by how they might respond.  Paul’s love for the Lord Jesus, his faith in Him as his Savior and Redeemer was foremost in his life and ministry.

Was Paul surprised by the suffering he endured in Philippi where he was beaten and imprisoned?  Was Paul surprised when he had to leave Thessalonica because of a mob stirred up to cause him harm?  No, on both counts, he knew he could expect suffering, the Lord Jesus had said so.

Nothing or no one stopped Paul from proclaiming Jesus Christ.  Many followers of Christ are doing that very thing in many areas of the world…knowing they too may suffer for the name of Jesus.  Pray for them to be faithful and looking to Jesus in their circumstances.

What is the Lord calling you to do today?

      Pray ~ to the living God

Praise through singing ~ worshiping God no matter your circumstances

Proclaim Jesus Christ to others ~ wherever the Lord leads you