verses 8-12: “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.”
I have an outline header in my Ryrie Bible here for this passage entitled “The Circumstances of the Ministry”. Paul had his share of persecutors who would dog him wherever he preached. He’s describing here what he goes through in the ministry, and is sharing that with the Corinthians in his letter. But he even counts it glory of even suffering what he does, as long as he is doing it for Jesus. He remembers and draws analogies here to what Jesus suffered for us during the crucifixion.
Most of us truly “have it easy” when we compare our lives today to what Paul went through. But there are missionaries today in parts of the world who suffer or are under threat of the same hard persecution that Paul endured, yet they share the gospel of Jesus though it may cost them their lives. Remember them and pray for them today.
When times get tough for you, please remember the words of one of my favorite praise songs:
“When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams,
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes,
When you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears,
Don’t let the faith you’re standing in, seem to disappear!
Praise the Lord! He can work through those who praise Him,
Praise the Lord! For our God inhabits praise!
Praise the Lord! When the chains that seem to bind you, serve only to remind you, that they fall powerless behind you
When you praise Him.”
–Praise the Lord
Have a blessed day!
Combing The Word 
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