Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 11. In this chapter we read about Paul’s sufferings for Jesus. “To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:21-28 ESV Paul’s sufferings for Christ are extreme. Most of us have never suffered like that. How has suffering for Jesus actually strengthened your faith? Have you ever had an opportunity to share your faith when you were going through a hard time? How can you find hope in the midst of pain? May God bless you to see His eternal glory in your moment of difficulty. Pastor Tim
