2 Corinthians 11:23-30; 4:16-18
I doubt any of us have endured the treatment Paul encountered for following Christ. Honestly, it's hard for me to imagine just what Paul describes he went through in 2 Cor. 11:23-30. So what impact does this all have on Paul? Maybe not what we'd think because Paul doesn't give up. He doesn't stop his bold proclamation of Christ. I love his words in 2 Cor. 4:16-17 that our troubles here in this world are small and temporary, but this present affliction is preparing for us an "eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. . . For the things that are unseen are eternal."
How can we draw on Paul's experiences and words here in 2 Corinthians to help us as we go through hardships? Tami W.
P.S. If you, like Paul, have looked to the unseen and eternal to help you get through tough times, we'd love to hear about it.
On January 4, 2007, my wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 44. We had 2 teenage boys. We had the anticipation of their high school years, sports, graduation, college and every dream a parent has for their children. We had our lives of traveling, being very active with our church and small group. We both had terrific careers and looked forward to the day we could retire and spend our "golden years' together. Then the rug gets pulled out. She's had 4 years of chemo which has left her too weak to do much of anything, let alone work. She suffers from chronic nausea and vomiting from her treatment.
HOWEVER, we know that God has a plan. We have seen people accept Christ because of God using our testimony of faith and hope. One was her Father who suffered a fatal heart attack within weeks of coming to know Christ. We have had people rededicate themselves to following Christ. We have had perfect strangers come up to us and thank us for our testimony of faith and hope.
We have to keep an eye on God's bigger picture and the prize that lies ahead. We don't know how many people we've touched or helped. I pray that there have been more people that have accepted Christ as their personal Savior because of God using us. I pray that we've touched those who needed encouraged or needed hope in their lives.
Great passage.
Like you Tami, I can't even imagine experiencing what Paul experienced regarding suffering for Jesus Christ. However, there are people today in hostile parts of the world who suffer as much or more than what Paul suffered. I doubt any of us can ever understand the grace of God that is available during those times, unless you find yourself in "those times" of suffering. I do note that in verse 16 Paul says that his "inner self is being renewed day by day". Isn't that the "secret" to the Christian life? When we spend time with our Lord each day and allow the Spirit of God to renew us each day, we can face anything that this old world throws at us. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Praise God!
I always like to say"it's just for now not forever".Like having a baby or getting a shot.The benefits far out way the cost.I have a friend that isn't very attractive in the worlds standard.She shared with me once about how she was treated in high school by all the "attractive people" and how much it still really hurts.I could tell it pained her a lot,I had no idea what to say to encourage her.After a bit of thought and a quick prayer God said this through me "They have already gotten their reward here and you may very well be the most beautiful thing in heaven because the best is yet to come."I hope she still thinks of that from time to time because I know I do.
God helped me through numerous tough times in my life. I am thankful that with His strength,
I did not despair or turn bitter. The authors of Christian books have been invaluable counselors to me.
I raised 5 children during a difficult marriage which eventually ended in divorce.
I prayed through the time when my one son chose to live a gay life-style for 8 years, until God miraculously brought about change and healing. He is now a missionary to this community of people through the Living Waters Ministry. He is married to an amazing Christian woman, also freed from lesbianism. I have gone through a time of estrangement from three of my grandchildren, after
having been their constant babysitter from birth. And there is more.......
God has surrounded me with many loving people and I consider my life to have been abundantly blessed,
inspite of the hardships. I have the opportunity of being mother & grandmother to a large African refugee family, who are a great blessing to me.
Through Bible Studies and conversation, I try to share that God is our "present help in trouble".