Acts 16:16-24 NKJV

[16] Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. [17] This girl followed Paul and us and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” [18] And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. [19] But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. [20] And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; [21] and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” [22] Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. [23] And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. [24] Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Doing what is right doesn't always feel like the right thing to do.

Maybe it is an unpopular lifestyle decision to love and follow Jesus. I know that the mainstream world tends to shun people who are sold out for God. I have had some (very limited) experiences with people turning their nose up to me at the mention of faith. I still mention it, and I am fully prepared to give an account for it... but at what cost?

Paul and Silas knew the potential issues they would face everywhere they went. It isn't like they didn't know what they were getting themselves into. They did it anyway without regard for their own safety or well-being. Sometimes, our negative experiences are not for our benefit but for the benefit of others who see our situation from the outside.

Paul's mindset was so different from mine. Western culture has done us no favors with how we respond to minor inconveniences. If it's uncomfortable, we bail out. If it hurts, we avoid it. Paul leaned into it because it wasn't about personal preference or pleasure.. but about spiritual growth and divine purpose.

Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4. and perseverance, character; and character, hope.