Our hard trials are a present reminder of how dependent we are. No matter what we go through, our flesh suffers. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

Verses 17-18 says that our light afflictions are working for us, if we do not focus on what is temporary. Rather we are to focus on eternal things. Paul is an excellent example for us. He chose to rejoice in his sufferings.

His rejoicing was rooted in the truth of Christ’s suffering. As Christ suffered in His flesh, so we suffer in our physical bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:10 says, “Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” How does that work? Depending on Him in every aspect of our lives.