Have You Considered Paul?

The idea for this week’s article comes from a suggestion made by one of our members

concerning Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. All of us have suffered setbacks, heartaches, and

challenges. The problem is sometimes we feel sorry for ourselves and proclaim, “Woe is me”.

“No one has it as hard as me”. “Everyone else has it easy compared to what I have been or am

now going through.”

As our brother suggested, let us consider Paul and the difficulties he endured. First, false

teachers were at the Corinth congregation, and they were stirring up trouble. They accused Paul of not being a true apostle, of being weak, and saying he was coming for a third visit, but was still a no show. Please read 2 Corinthians 1:12-23, 2:1-17; 11:1-21. Can you imagine how this

must have grieved Paul? What about us? Does it not hurt us when people speak ill of us and

make false accusations? Yet, Paul stayed the course! He corrected, he rebuked, he exhorted,

and he loved them despite what they were doing!

Second, Paul endured physical pain through beatings, being stoned, being shipwrecked, going

without food and water, and being imprisoned (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). How many of us have

undergone anything like that? Third, Paul loved all Christians and congregations of the Lord’s

church. The pressure he felt on himself for this concern was enormous (2 Corinthians 11:28).

How many of us are concerned about other New Testament congregations? Are we praying for them? Are we reaching out to help or lending a sympathetic ear to listen?

Friends, I am not making light of anyone’s problems or struggles. Please understand we are not alone. Everyone has problems. Let us consider Paul when we feel sorry for ourselves and think no one has it as bad as me. Let us rise when knocked down and stay the course of our faith. We are here for you, and we care. Please let us know how we may help you.



Stay true to the Word,

Brother Travis