“…They called the apostles in and had them flogged…The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
Acts 5:40-41
The apostles were given a beating. The flogging would have been “40 lashes minus one” according to Jewish rules. The punishment was cruel, painful, and even given by order of the religious leaders—the Sanhedrin.
I would have offered, most likely, a variety of responses—loud protest, physical resistance, an attempt to rally others to protest on my behalf, and certainly cried to God, “Where are you?” But the disciples did none of these. Their response was…..rejoicing…????!
They realized that they were never more like Jesus than when they were suffering. An eternal mindset, a heart set on heaven, an assurance of their salvation, the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit – surely all these led to a transformation from the inside out. Only a genuine inward change could evoke such a powerful and unlikely outward response.
When all goes well, we can fake it – manufacture an outward veneer that fools others and perhaps even fools ourselves occasionally. But when the pressure comes, the heat is turned up, and persecution becomes intense—then the real women of God are separated from the little girls.
Do I have what it takes to “woman up?” Can I respond well to suffering for the name of Jesus? Persecution on the outside reveals what’s present on the inside. How do you and I respond to suffering?
A woman who lives sent may be called upon to suffer for His name.
Lord, I have led an easy life. My 21st century-western world offers little opportunity to face real suffering. Whether it is physical, emotional, relational or some other type of suffering I may face for your name, I pray for strength to “woman up” and actually rejoice in the midst of it.
Live Sent Action Point: Pray for missionaries who are living sent right now in very difficult and dangerous situations.* Ask God to provide an eternal perspective and the power of His presence to enable them to survive, thrive, and REJOICE in His name.
*If you would like to make praying for missionaries a regular part of your prayer life, consider subscribing to Missions Mosaic. Details here: http://wmu.com/index.php?q=adults/misc/missions-mosaic
