The apostle Paul endured many things for the sake of making the Gospel known throughout the world. In the book of Acts, Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, and had stones thrown at him. Through these things he was able to point all those who were around him to Jesus, saying “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Paul warned that as followers of Jesus, all believers would face persecution, and he modeled how you should respond in those situations. He used every opportunity to point to the Lord’s deliverance and provision.

Paul did not only experience God’s physical deliverance. He knew the comfort that is found in a relationship with Jesus. He cried out in prayer for healing. Paul experienced other types of suffering outside of persecution such as the ‘thorn in his flesh’ found in 2 Corinthians 12. We do not know what exactly this meant, but we do know that he responded to it by relying on the grace of God to a greater degree. In the midst of suffering, we also can rely on the grace of God to sustain us and carry us through.

Look in the Word

1. Look at what Paul says in 2 Corinthians. How does that sit with you?
2. We may not get a chance to understand why we go through suffering. How does Paul view his suffering?

What’s Next?

The world today seems full of ways to find comfort: relationships, things, food, distractions. Not all of these are wrong, we are made for community after all, but it can be easy to lose sight of the ways the Lord is providing for you in the hunt for comfort.  What are ways you are seeking comfort apart from the Lord? Write out a list and ask the Lord to help you see His comfort above these things. Seek out friends that will point you to the Lord and lift your suffering up in prayer.