“I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”

No businessperson whether big company, medium sized or small business, or even a start up gets into the business of business because they think it will be easy.  Business is far from easy and just when you think you have something figured or worked out, along comes an unexpected challenge.  There is word that Russian businesses have started to take over the empty assets of American and European companies who have withdrawn from Russia.  I saw a story of a company that is on their way to knocking-off the McDonald’s restaurant business, claiming the name and the locations.  It seems crazy but it is what is happening.  All around the world CEOs and Leaders of multi-national companies are trying to figure out their next move, all the while still trying to manage through the pandemic.  Does anyone think that this is easy?  But, leadership is about doing the hard things even when we know that it will be hard.  As it is said, if it was easy, everyone would and could do it.

Paul knew that his travels and work for God was going to get rough.  He had been previewed by the Holy Spirit that he would even meet imprisonment as a consequence of his ministry.  But, even knowing that, Paul prevailed and marched on.  He knew and still he continued.  We should all be that courageous and committed.  And that is why we are given Paul’s life example to try and follow.  Today, we might be faced with what is hard, difficult and even what feels punishing, and what God wants from us is to persevere with Him in control of our lives and us doing our best to bring Him glory in all that we do.  Yes, that is what we are to do, even when we know how hard it will be.

Reference: Acts 20:22-24 (The Message)