“When they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:40-42).

They were mistreated. They were insulted. They were beaten and injured. They were criminally assaulted. They rejoiced! You read this correctly. What an amazing account of what happened to the early apostles. I am sure that their wounds hurt; however, the amazing love and adoration they had in their hearts for their Savior caused them to view this present humiliation as a great privilege. They were “suffering shame for His name.” They praised the Lord for the privilege of suffering, and they ignored the threats as they continually taught and preached about Christ. Which brings me to ask myself and my friends how is our response to trials and testing? Do we stay faithful in proclaiming His Name when times get tough just as did the early apostles? What a great privilege is ours!

For today: Don’t go looking for trouble; however, when times get tough, Christ followers stay joyful in Him!