Acts 9:26-30

When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

It wasn't so easy for Paul to just step into the role as a leader in Christ's church. He had a lot of folks going against him.

First, those who were part of current leadership. Their distrust for him was as understandable as Ananias' had been.  It took some persuading to get them to come around.

And then he has as enemies the Hellenist Jews - the Greek speaking Jews. Paul was, for all intents and purposes, a traitor.

It's not smooth sailing following Christ. It's hard work. It means sometimes ticking people off or making decisions people won't agree with. 

It means bringing about change sometimes rather than comfort.

Or comforting those who we aren't used to comforting.

Paul would go on to impact the church in huge ways. And the disagreements and questioning wouldn't go away. Yet where would we be with without his persistence?

It's hard to know whether what we are doing in life or ministry or action is Spirit led sometimes. It's hard to know if it will have an impact. It's hard to know if people will be in favor of it.

Yet all of us - even those of us who disagree - are graced with gifts from God that are meant for use. And when we can see that, beyond our disagreements or dissections, and know that throughout all the changes, God will be with us, bringing about new life.

God, grant me endurance and character and patience as I strive to serve you. Amen.