(The following is the August 13 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 11 and pay close attention to verses 16-33.)

Many of God’s people have suffered for their faith. Of course, no one suffered more than our Lord Jesus on the cross. Throughout the church age, Christians worldwide have endured persecution and martyrdom. Jesus told us to expect such treatment, so we shouldn’t be surprised when being his disciple costs us much, including our earthly lives.

Paul knew the cost of following Jesus. He lists his sufferings (not including his eventual martyrdom) as “many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death. Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches” (vv. 23-28).

Remembering what Paul endured and the price paid by martyrs through the ages should encourage us to stand firm in our faith, whatever the cost. What sufferings have we experienced compared to Paul and others? Do we let the fear of how people might respond keep us from being Christ’s faithful ambassadors? Heaven forbid we fail to carry the torch of faith with the same zeal our Christian ancestors demonstrated. They risked all for Christ. Do we? Will we?

Next Step:
How have you suffered because of your faith in and service for Christ? If you haven’t suffered, does that suggest a need to be bolder and more intentional in serving him?