Were you ever convinced that once you started following Jesus your life would fall into place and you would have smooth sailing for the remainder of your life? Christians often tell the good things that happened after they got off the throne of their own hearts. Many beautiful pictures are painted, often leading to disappointment in new believers. The truth is that following Jesus requires a supernatural helper, the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s story speaks of redemption followed by great danger. Are you entertained by shows or books about heroes who are constantly in harm’s way? Picture what Paul endured: “Five times I received ‘forty lashes less one’, from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. In my many travels I have been exposed to danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the desert, danger at sea, danger from false brothers. I have toiled and endured hardship, often not had enough sleep, been hungry and thirsty, frequently gone without food, been cold and naked.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

Jesus loved Saul so much He supernaturally presented Himself to him, revealing truth and opening his eyes to see he needed to switch sides. He loved him so much He wanted to make a Bible story out of him. He took him from the position of being the dangerous one to being in constant danger himself.

Partnering with Jesus may not give you an easy life here and now but the retirement package is out of this world. I was taught–anything worth having is worth working for. What are you working for today?