Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
There is speculation even today over what would have happened if Paul had stayed away from Jerusalem at this time, and whether he went in genuine obedience to the Spirit or out of sheer stubbornness. We cannot know the answer to that, but we do know that God used Paul’s time in captivity to write half the New Testament, and that is certainly something of great value. I don’t think Paul went to Jerusalem wanting to be martyred, but he was ready for it if that was what God had in mind. He was definitely not unmoved by the tears of those around him. That is certainly an admirable attitude! I have seen some Christians who seemed to desire martyrdom, and I think that is a perversion. However, laying everything on the line for Christ, not holding anything back, is an attitude every believer should have. Nate Saint perhaps said it best: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Nate’s martyrdom was hard on his wife and children, but they were indeed comforted, and Nate’s example and story have been an inspiration to countless believers in the years since he was killed.
I’ve never been in a situation that remotely hinted of martyrdom, but I have been challenged in more subtle ways: whether I would choose comfort or obedience, convenience or conviction. I wish I could say I’ve always chosen wisely! Following Christ isn’t for wusses, and it never has been. Jesus laid it on the line when He said, “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38) We sometimes forget that when Jesus said that, a cross was purely and simply an instrument of horrible execution. I must not resent any inconvenience, any cost, but rather rejoice that I am counted worthy to follow my Lord, just as the early disciples did. (Acts 5:41)
Father, so often I whine and complain at the smallest things. Forgive me. Help me accept and face each challenge You give me, big or small, with faith, trust, gratitude and joy. Whether it’s something with my own body, something involving someone I love, dealing with interpersonal issues in the church, or whatever, help me rest in the assurance that Your grace is sufficient for me, and give You all the glory. Thank You. Praise God!
Virtual Vitamins 
sounds like whinning to me. I’m sure that Paul was not whinning, just expressing the ardent desire to share the Truth where he might. Did he suffer like Mel Gibson did in ‘BraveHeart’ he said freedom, we would say Jesus. Overseas in a different land influenced by Islam a muslim might consider such a death for any Muslim Christian convert as worthy of such a death, where we would welcome her into the fold of concern for her welfare. Yet the time ahead when the anti-christ is in his time, you just might get the chance to die for Jesus name. But don’t look for strength of faith in your challenges but in your continued walk in the ‘Way’ of repentance. It is said that when Rome burned many christians at the stake, that ceaser would walk amongst the dead bodies and remarked that they all had smiles on their faces. It is Gods love they knew in death, and in their resurrection, I’m sure. In Him, J.J.
My whole point is that I have no room to complain. Martyrdom has been on the increase since at least the 20th Century, to the point that there were more martyrs in the 20th Century than in the previous 19 combined, and the pace is continuing to pick up. We are to pray for our brothers and sisters in such circumstances, but never with a feeling that we are “safe.” It can be harder to maintain pure devotion in the middle of worldly luxury than it is under persecution!
hey God bless and thanks for dropping in
greg