Despite the challenges, continue striving to be the best you can be in life! Yes, we all face ominous obstacles on a day-to-day basis and it’s easy to throw your hands up and say, “Forget it!” But look at our present problems compared to what Paul had to deal with back-in-the day! In 2 Cor 11:25-28 He said, “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.  I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Now, let’s admit we would have checked out after v25! In context Paul was making a comparison about boasting in the flesh versus boasting in weakness. You see in v30 he revealed the better option! He said, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” So, in lieu of throwing your hands up in indignation try throwing your hands up and give God the praise He rightfully deserves! We can take pleasure in our weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that we suffer for Christ. For when we are weak, then We are strong (2 Cor 12:10).
4GIVEN 