What a testimony! How many of us would live through such difficulty and still preach Christ? A very difficult proposition. Yet Paul and all the disciples who followed Christ did not allow anything to deter them from doing the mission entrusted to them despite all the hardships they faced.

There are 3 keys reasons we can learn from this passage which Paul and his men experienced that enabled them to move forward in spite of all their difficulties.

The first experience they had, we read in 2 Cor.4:6 - Paul says, "God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”

What Paul is telling us is that, once his mind was blinded by the gods of this age. But when the light of Christ penetrated into his darkened heart, he could not remain the same. This was his personal encounter with the Very One who created him. His mind was opened to the knowledge of God in the face of Christ. From then on, he began to walk in the ‘True light of God.’

The second reason that enabled Paul to face such oppressions is found in 2 Cor. 4:7- they experienced an "all surpassing power from God.” Frail as they were, Paul says in Ephesians 1:19, there is "an incomparable great power for us who believe.” Where did he get this power from? This power is from God, the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Though he was weak, GOD gave him His power to do His work, thus keeping him from pride and motivating him to keep daily contact with God his POWER SOURCE!  

The third reason to continue serving the Lord in all their sufferings is found in 2 Cor. 4:18- “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.”

Paul and his companions had their vision fixed on   one target- the face of God. Come what may, they did not swerve to the right or the left. David says in Psalm 27 : “One thing I ask of the Lord that I may seek him.” Their vision was eternal not ephemeral [ short lived]. They did not live for the present, what they saw or experienced here and now. They kept their eyes on that Eternal Hope, ‘a glory that outweighed all their present suffering.’ (2 Cor. 4:17)

When these men had their doctrine right, their source of strength with them and their goals in place, they could face all of life’s challenges with great confidence and they could boldly say that “he who began a good work in you [ us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6).


What is your struggle today? Bring it to Jesus, He will strengthen you to move on! As a believer in Christ, when you face life’s challenges and struggles may you like Paul, place your confidence in Christ Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith.

 

Be Encouraged today:

“In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer,

for I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus Christ

John 16:33

Listen - ‘Christ is enough for me!’