2 Corinthians 11

Bible Passage:  2 Corinthians 11

I can’t think of any way to possibly put myself completely into Paul’s shoes when I was reading through verses 23 onwards to 27. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, and laboured in such a poor state (in hunger, thirst, sleeplessness and cloth-less-ness). Paul went through these sufferings for the sake of the gospel (II Tim 1:11-12).

If we were to go through such situation that gave rise to grave discomfort or compromised us in such a disheartening way of living– for e.g. that we have to forsake a more comfortable way of living through giving up our motor vehicle and moving into a smaller roof, all for the sake of our children’s college fees. We are willing to do this because we love our children and are willing to sacrifice our comfort for their future. This unwavering focus will become the key motivational force for us to live humbly and keep going.

Coming back to Paul’s situation, unless he was completely certain of his focus, no one in their right mind would want to subject themselves to these sufferings. Paul was well aware of more persecution and troubles to come but he never once swayed from the focus and goal. He never gave up preaching and loving for the sake of Christ.

I’m deeply moved by the subsequent verses 28 and 29. In the midst of his sufferings, Paul’s concern was for all the churches and the members, especially the weak ones. I was reading biblereadingcompanion ‘s sharing of ‘giving’. Paul manifested this spirit of giving at all times such as this. His thoughts, prayers and every epistle written for these churches and members sustained them through many uncertainties, periods of trials and tribulation.

Paul’s simple and genuine love for Christ and the people is truly remarkable and astonishing. We see his constant perseverance, patience and joy in the midst of these hardships and trials. That’s because Paul truly knew whom he believed in.

Reflection for today:

Paul was very certain of his life mission (after conversion) and purpose for Christ, and his goal to keep persevering to the end (Acts 20:22-24). He kept his focus intact throughout the ministry for he knew the reward at the finishing line (Ph 3: 12-14).

A lot of us are familiar with the saying – “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Paul ‘turned’ the hardships and adversity into opportunities to glorify God, edify men and grow spiritually (Romans 5:3-5).

When life gets stormy, what motivates you to keep things into proper context? How do you keep your sense of perspective to keep persevering while trying to understand and come to appreciate the purpose of God in you?

I pray for God’s mercy on us all – that we have the strength to give and love at all (both in good and not-too-good) times.

May you have a blessed week ahead.