2 Corinthians 11
"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country , in in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches." (verses 24-28)
These verses about Paul's suffering always help me to put things into perspective. Paul was put through terrible conditions and suffering and through it all he still found joy in the Lord. (You can read more about it in the book of Philippians which he writes while he is in jail). These passages just help me to remember to find joy in the hard times and follow Paul's example.
These verses about Paul's suffering always help me to put things into perspective. Paul was put through terrible conditions and suffering and through it all he still found joy in the Lord. (You can read more about it in the book of Philippians which he writes while he is in jail). These passages just help me to remember to find joy in the hard times and follow Paul's example.