In a world which demands that leaders pour themselves out for worldly success, leading might be costly. You will probably disappoint a lot of people. You may not be as well-liked. You might even lose the wrong ministry until you find the right one.

How would you respond if someone told you today, “Listen, I can’t give you details, but just know that the next few years are going to be tough for you as a leader. You will face some difficult challenges. There will be ugly moments. I’ll check back later”

How would you respond? I would ask for details. Will I be raked over by blogs? Am I going to have to be maligned?…take a pay cut? Could you please tell me what exactly is coming?

Leadership Means Difficulty

When Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, he told the Ephesian elders that he had some hard news. “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me” (Acts 20:22–23).

Paul, much like Jesus before him, had set his face towards Jerusalem. He knew that being called to the gospel would bring danger and difficulties. But he went anyway. Paul had a sense for the ending; he just didn’t know how it would happen.

Here’s the thing. If you are called to lead, you too will face difficulty.

Why does God tell Paul there’s difficulty up ahead? Why does God want us to know that difficulty will accompany the fulfillment of our call?

Leadership Sacrifices Comfort

If we’re honest, we know our natural tendency is to seek the least challenging way. At least I do. I often want to eliminate risk, eradicate cost, and keep difficulties at bay. But leadership calls us to pick up the cross, not a recliner. God promises that all who follow Christ will meet trial and tribulation (John 16:33; James 1:2–3). Like Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress, it’s all part of the journey. Wouldn’t it be nice if Paul said in Acts 20:23, “I only know that hotels and Jacuzzis await me.” I wish. Instead he says, “I only know that imprisonment and afflictions await me.”

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