“I am filled with comfort.
I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.”
2nd Corinthians 7:4

The apostle Paul suffered greatly in his ministry – rejections, imprisonment, beatings, even having been left for dead. Read 2nd Corinthians 11:24-29 to learn the extent to which he suffered, it’s incredible. Yet he rejoices no matter what tribulation assails him.

It’s hard to imagine how anyone can be joyful in tribulation. Paul had a wisdom not many have, a perspective rare among men. But he knew that God takes every suffering and works it out to become something good.

“And we know that ALL things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are the called
according to his purpose.”

In all our various trials and tribulations, let us try to grasp the truth that our God truly WILL make all things happening in our lives to work together for good. It’s hard to get there when you’re in the midst of suffering, it’s something to actually ASK God’s help in. But we need to get to where, in this assurance, we can rejoice regardless what the devil throws against us. In this is a great demonstration of the power of faith, overcoming the human reactions to trials and looking through the perspective of faith and promise.