The apostle Paul and his missionary companions experienced many hardships in their travels. For example, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1, "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death." How did Paul pull through such hardships and persecution? He said that God comforted him and gave him power to overcome them.

Everyone needs consolation. When we need consolation, we can rely on God to comfort us and provide what we need.

Even so, God allows us to face difficult troubles in our lives at times. And when that happens, we can look back to the experiences of other believers, like Paul and his companions—and we can be encouraged that God gave them the comfort and strength to carry through.

We must rely on God, not on our own power. When we realize that God knows our situations and that we totally depend on him, we can trust God with our souls and lives. Our destiny is safe in his hands.

There is working power in prayer. Who works when we pray? God. Notice that Paul doesn't pray by himself, but that he asks the church to pray too. God comforts us, answers our prayers, and often works miracles when we face hardships. We can trust our faithful, comforting God each day.