It is the same with us: Tribulations, trials, and troubles come, so that we may look up to Christ who supplies our needs… so that we can learn to trust Him, and draw near.

Don’t misuse your sufferings. They come with a glorious purpose, and Christ will show up and sustain you. He knows what He’s doing.

Secondly, Paul gloried in his sufferings because Christ’s power came through them. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

It wasn’t a pity party! He wasn’t seeking comfort from man. Oh no! His comfort came from God. He received supernatural power in his weakness. He got strong through insults, slander, and catastrophes! Suffering didn’t weaken his resolve; it didn’t make him less effective. It emptied him of human confidence and CAST HIM ON GOD. Then, Christ went to work.

He will not fail us. If we call upon Him, then He will hear us and strengthen us with His right hand. He’ll give us supernatural grace in a persecuting world. He’ll work in us mightily.

→ Let us never complain to man, when we can get strength from God.

Thirdly, Paul’s nothingness was not mere doctrinal accuracy. 2 Corinthians 12:11, "I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.”

Many pretend to be nothing, but they are so strong. They forsake the fellowship of saints and the preaching of the gospel. Paul was so nothing that he humbled himself to serve! Imagine that - the greatest Apostle and the greatest follower of Christ is disregarded by the proud Corinithians. What does Paul do? He serves them. He washes their feet. He allows Himself to be abused. He pursues those who have run away! He acts like Jesus!

Oh, let us learn what it means to be truly nothing, and serve others. Let’s give up the pride, big shot status, and turn the other cheek. Let us go the extra mile. Let’s be great Christians to people who mistreat us.

Finally, Paul gives us clear instruction: the strong are to serve the weak. 2 Corinthians 12:14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” The knowledgeable gives the gospel to the ignorant, and we don’t use people. Those who know the most act the most like Jesus. It's not merely doctrine, but it's love, patience, and kindness; it is bearing with others when you’ve been wronged!