Daily Devotions
Our Greatest Suffering
Reading for July 4th: Psalm 106-107
Weekly reading for June 28-July 4: 2 Corinthians 10-13
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
2 Corinthians 11:29
The sufferings that Paul lists in this chapter are breathtaking. "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked..." (2 Cor 11:24-25) How could one man physically endure so much and continue on preaching? How could he handle the psychological and emotional trauma of such suffering?
Yet, Paul did not regard these physical afflictions to be his greatest source of suffering and pain. He concludes this list with these words: "And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches." (2 Cor 11:28)
What causes you the greatest suffering? Is it illness? Is it economic? Is it related to your job? Are your greatest frustrations and pains focused on physical conditions?
Paul would not make light of physical suffering. He certainly endured much in his life. But he would encourage us to be much more concerned about the souls of those who are weak or falling from sin.
Father, help us to see life the same way Paul did. Keep us from obsessing over temporal suffering and to focus our attention on things that are eternal. Direct our attention toward your people who are struggling who desperately need our help.
