Have you ever wondered how the apostle Paul could’ve endured the horrific troubles and trials he relentlessly faced over the course of his ministry? Take a look at the long list of atrocities he suffered:
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 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. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
What fueled Paul’s endurance?
What gave Paul the grit to fight through such painful troubles and trials with such a God-honoring perspective and unshakable faith? I believe the answer to this question is in the next chapter.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third Heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
Fourteen years before the writing of these words, God gave Paul a vision of Heaven that would forever mark him. He saw things that no man had ever seen. He heard things that no man had ever heard. He got a vision of the heavenlies that readied him for the challenges he would face on Earth.
This vision of Heaven most likely happened before any of the trials listed in 2 Corinthians 11. This “rapturing” to Heaven happened years before his first missionary journey. And what he saw in Heaven changed everything.
A vision that transforms earthly trials
You see, when you catch a vision of Heaven, you’re ready to go through hell.
Although you and I most likely will never get caught up to the third Heaven like Paul did, the Bible lays out a clear vision of what Heaven will be like. And it’s this true, scriptural vision of Heaven that will give us the faith and fortitude to face whatever may come.
Take time to read Revelation 21 and 22. Meditate on things to come. Imagine Heaven and all of its glories. Picture Jesus high and lifted up on His throne, with the seraphim flying around Him bellowing: “Holy! Holy! Holy is the Lord God Almighty!” (Revelation 4:8)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
Ready to face whatever comes
I don’t know what “hell” you’re currently going through, but I do know this: When you set your mind on things above, when you fix your eyes on Jesus, when Heaven is the epicenter of your focus, you are ready to face any trial, any suffering—anything.
Trust in Jesus. Think of Heaven. Stay in the fight.
