Worthy to Suffer Shame

[S] Acts 5:41 --
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 

[O] The apostles were arrested, warned, and then flogged before released and yet they rejoiced because they knew the suffering was due to their loyalty to Jesus and the commitment to spread His word despite the oppositions from the Jewish leaders.  To see how suffering shame for His name's sake is very difficult to relate to because I had not gone through such an experience but I, nevertheless, need to keep this in my mind because as I continue to follow His footsteps here on earth, I will have to face oppositions from the world and yet I must still commit to Jesus' name.

[A] The Holy Spirit's convicting me the criticality of training more disciples in the Lord who will take the shame and suffering coming from this world for the sake of His name.  This year, I would like to pray and proceed on starting up a disciple-making community.

[P] Dear Father, forgive my life for staying in my own comfort zone and not branching out to preach Your word into this world which is fading away.  I've been too comfortable among the believers and I would like to reach out to the lost souls more actively even if it means shame and suffering.  I am scared as I pray this to You but I want to trust You completely as I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.