Introduction: In this passage Paul uses a lot of general terminology to express how much he suffered in Christ's service. He was "hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, dying and outwardly wasting away." Later in this same epistle he gets down to the nitty-gritty details of his sufferings (2 Cor. 11:23-29). We also know that he was almost blind, not very good looking and possibly a widower.
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 he is telling us that he was optimistic, joyful and hopeful in spite of his sufferings.
Paul had faith (2 Cor. 4:13-14). Do you have difficulty being like Paul? Is it hard for you to find peace and hope and optimism in the face of your sufferings?
How can we reach such a level of spiritual maturity?
1. Don't bear your problems alone. Jesus gave us a church so that we could minister to each other. We all have sufferings. We all have sins. We all have problems. We all can help each other (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
2. Devote yourself to wisdom. Be a realist. See life as it actually is. Confess your sins and inadequacies. Trust in God for forgiveness. Seek to be a solid, balanced wise person (Eccl. 7:10-20). The person seeking to be wise will do well to spend a lot of time reading Proverbs, Psalms and Ecclesiastes. It is like a splash of cold water in the face. Like a meal of steak and potatoes to a person used to eating candy. Wisdom creates inner strength.
3. Take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them there (Philippians 4:6-7).
4. Turn your mind into constructive channels (Philippians 4:8).
Conclusion: Paul suffered a lot. But he was able to withstand his sufferings, and keep an optimistic attitude. He trusted in God (2 Cor. 4:13-14). May God strengthen our faith, give us wisdom, and help us to have optimism and hope in spite of sufferings. Amen.