In the mad dash of following Christ, God had begun the process of warning Paul of what was ahead. From his conversion, Paul knew that his mission was not going to end well, But, Paul had discovered and realized that the mission of saving lives for Christ was exponentially more important than even his safety. So Paul spent time with the leaders he had discipled to prepare them for the mission ahead. he then prepared to return to Jerusalem, knowing the enemy awaited to destroy him.
The church is under attack. Often, we are placed in positions that we are assured that our standing for Christ will not help our position in the World. We are criticized, made fun of and in many cases persecuted, fired and even killed for the cause of Christ. If we recognize that the journey with Christ will not end well and that we may face persecution–then we can honestly approach the journey trusting God to use us as he sees fit and execute his plan in our lives. Paul said it best in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed to us!” This is the Journey–not the destination. We must focus on the destination and let God focus on the journey and the mission.
God Bless You
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
God's Amazing Journey 