24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 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; 26 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; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:24-27ESV
Sometimes, this life can get draining. It can feel overwhelming and discouraging. It can feel as if the darkness is too great and we are crushed on all sides. Torment from the darkness around you and from the Satanic realm’s attacks. When we feel overwhelmed and discouraged, we have to remember that this isn’t new. Those who came before us have suffered as well, and often much more than we have. Paul had suffered much for the LORD. Even with all of that, he still wrote, in that same letter:
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18ESV
Paul encouraged himself and others with the hope of eternity. With the hope of being joined together with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ one day. Jesus said on this earth there will be trials and tribulations, but take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This momentary affliction feels like it’s never going to end. It’s tiring. You feel like you could break, but
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8-9ESV
Torture, oppression, attacks, etc. won’t end for God’s Church until our Jesus returns for us and carries us home. Until then, we hold to Him who is able to give peace in times of trials and tribulations. He is able to give hope to the hopeless. He is able to give strength to the needy. He is able to renew the soul of anyone who asks. Therefore, call on Him and believe those promises. Spend time in your Bible getting to know Him. Spend time in prayer seeking His face. Spend time in worship to renew your spirit. Spend time with the LORD, and He will give you peace.
May the LORD be with you, hear you, and answer you. The LORD bless you.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Encouraged In The LORD.