Yesterday, we learned from Paul the importance of cautious words and actions in our dealings with people. This is based on the fact that people may be having hard times already and we must not compound their problems. Paul who gave this admonition was no stranger to difficulties himself. As a matter of fact, Paul had occasions to hurt more than the people he addressed. In our text, he touched on the tribulation he had to face. He did not specify the tribulation at this point. However, a little later in his epistle he provided more details. They include physical abuse, blackmail, loneliness, imprisonment, starvation, robbery attacks and others. The good news is that Paul did not allow any of these to stop him from following the call of God in his life.
Breaking it down, three basic lessons emerge from the life of Paul with regards to the hurts he suffered. Firstly, he took all of them in his stride. There was no wailing or complaining. Secondly, there was an enormous outpour of the comfort of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostle. The grace of God on him was a match for the things he suffered. Thirdly, Paul found a great use for all his travails. The comfort which he received from the Holy Spirit would later be a tool for ministry. I believe that what helped Paul cope with all the challenges was the right perspective. If we see things with the eye of God, we can turn the negative things around us to a mighty opportunity.