From conversion to martyrdom, Paul's lifestyle was a catalogue of troubles punctuated by episodes of God's grace, bringing salvation to new believers and joy to the churches (2 Corinthians 4:15). It was a protracted period of dying (2 Corinthians 4:7-11), but the apostle did not give up. His confidence was secured by the resurrection of Jesus which assures the resurrection of every believer (1 Thessalonians 4:14). In other words, Paul was looking beyond his immediate suffering to the glorious day when he would be with Christ.

That eternal perspective did not lessen his sufferings, but prevented them from being a reason to stop serving Christ. The duration of his trouble was infinitely minute compared to eternity; their heaviness was infinitely light compared to the awesome weightiness of being in God's presence. That is why Paul refused to allow personal hardship, persecution or the pain of dysfunctional churches to be his point of focus (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). If he had, his mission would have been over, his commission nullified; and Satan would have won.

Paul's heart was so full, anticipating the return of Christ as King and Judge, that he did whatever he could to win souls for Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). Like a mother in labour, he was willing to endure any pain so that others might be born again (John 16:21; Galatians 4:19; 2 Timothy 2:10). Even though the suffering was real, and at times almost unbearable (2 Corinthians 11:23-29), Paul's horizon was not personal comfort or even the grave, but heaven. His view of being in Christ's presence was the reason to endure, and in the meantime Christ's grace was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Many who read this will have been stretched almost to breaking point at times. Do we give up on Christ? If we do, what will we say when we meet Him in the Last Day, and what will He say to us (Luke 9:26)? No: true believers live trusting what they cannot see, because they know the One who has promised (James 1:12). They set their horizon in line with Jesus and not on the personal comforts of this dying world. So, do not be preoccupied by your own pain and lose heart; 'fix your eyes on Jesus … who, for the joy set before Him, endured …' (Hebrews 12:2). It is the only the way of blessing for you and for others, through you.