Paul’s suffering was not pointless. It was producing life in others and advancing the gospel. Instead of avoiding hardship, he embraced it as part of God’s design to make Christ known. The same is true for us. We are not just saved from something, we are sent into something.

Paul also reminds us that we are not consumers but servants under a commission. With Christ in us, the hope of glory, we have everything we need to live on mission. Our lives now have a clear aim. Proclaim Christ and make disciples. Real joy is not found in comfort, but in giving our lives away so others can find life in Jesus.