A stoning or beating would usually be more than enough to discourage most people. Most of the time we find it difficult even to deal with the struggles and challenges of everyday life. But not with Paul! Left for dead after a stoning, he jumps up and continues on his mission of preaching the good news of Jesus. He recognizes that discipleship is not easy - in fact, it can be very hard going sometimes. But it is by struggle and at times persecution or misunderstanding that we enter the Kingdom of God. It might be helpful if we could see our own difficulties in the same light: opportunities and stepping-stones.

Where is Jesus in our hurting world? The world has a tough time seeing Jesus for they expect something dramatic and flashy. Jesus assures his disciples that he will always be with them even if no one else recognizes him. That does not mean that life will be easy or without struggle. But through the spirit he will always be living inside of us. Not only that, he will give us a peace unlike anything the world can hope to give. Peace is more than the absence of violence - it is living without fear and knowing how much we are loved and valued by God.