Hardships Lie Ahead

“But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.”

Acts 20:22-23

If you knew that a certain decision will lead to hardships, would you go through with it? Now, of course I am not talking about obvious decisions that lead to danger like choosing to walk off a cliff or crossing the street when you clearly see a truck coming towards you at high speed. The decisions I am referring to are those that pull on the heartstrings, tug at the heart, and boggle the conscience. The decision of standing up for what is right and pursuing the truth.

When St. Paul bid farewell to the people, he knew that if he went to Jerusalem he will likely face imprisonment and hardships. He went because he was moved by the Spirit to do so. Obedience to the Spirit is what allowed St. Paul to move forward to Jerusalem even if it means hardships. He went because He believed that God will bring good out of it, whatever the situation may be.

It is difficult to see the good and the blessings when we are in the midst of our struggles and hardships. But, we must have faith that good will come, that our hardships and suffering are not for nothing. When we are faced with difficult decisions, may we always turn to prayer, listening to the Spirit so that we may know how to proceed and receive the courage to move forward even if hardships lie ahead.