Paul worked tirelessly for the Kingdom, often even paying his own way and earning his own keep. For example, after travelling through Macedonia and Greece, Paul gets to Troas and, rather than resting from his tiring journey, he holds a meeting there with the church that goes all night! He then decides that he will walk to the next destination rather than take a restful sail with the others. That’s about 32km after being up all night! We aren’t told why but he had a reason, and it probably didn’t involve simple convenience. This man was driven by mission. Paul was willing to go past inconvenience and discomfort to find God. A friend of mine has this saying: “We will often find God on the other side of inconvenience.” That same friend also happens to be one of the most effective Christians I have ever met. Many people will be quick to point out the dangers of ‘burnout’ and there is validity in that. Nevertheless, there is a sound challenge here for our complacent tendencies. Paul offers this challenge to the Ephesian elders. He warns them that they have some hardships ahead and great commitment is needed. He even holds himself up as an example. You see, a great cause calls for a great commitment, and the greatest of causes for the greatest commitment. There’s a door before each of us and it is called ‘inconvenience’. It doesn’t open easily; it’s jammed, because it is there to keep out anyone who couldn’t be bothered. The Kingdom of God is for those who will love with the greatest love and serve with the greatest commitment.
Reflect on your own commitment.
Read Acts 20
