The Apostle Paul wrote about dealing with great adversity in 2 Corinthians 1. In verse 8, he made this statement about his trouble, “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” Although we are not exactly sure what Paul was referring to when he made this statement, we do know that it was a huge burden.

Paul faced his share of adversity in the ministry, yet, through it all, Paul wrote that God was gracious and comforted him in all of his tribulation.

None of us, except the Lord Jesus, have known the level of struggles and difficulty that Paul knew; however, each of us does deal with some difficulty and drama at various moments in our lives.

I remember one particularly trying season of life. While my wife and I were in Spain, we received word that a missionary family sent out of our church had been in a horrendous accident and their three year old daughter had died. The wife was hospitalized in serious condition. I also learned that day of the death of a dear lady from our church as well as that my dad was hospitalized with a strong suspicion that he had cancer. I felt a bit overwhelmed at that moment because I was 4,000 miles away from home. However, I also sensed that God was at work in my own heart giving grace and comfort.

When I returned to the States, it was obvious that God was at work. Just as Paul testified, He was comforting me in all my tribulation. It is amazing to watch God meet needs and strengthen lives. It is His work, and I think He does those things so others can see Him at work during difficult moments.

If you are in the midst of a trial today, let me encourage you to just rest in HIM!