Thought about giving up lately?

Following on from J.C. Ryle's 'zealous Christian', I have decided to quote a little of the trials of Paul which he describes to the Corinthians and might be regarded as 'the true marks of an apostle'.How can we think God has deserted us when we have to suffer a little inconvenience-a damaged bumper,a rise in the price of petrol,a failed exam,being called a name? He calls on Christian's, certainly Christian leaders, to follow his example.

Christ's grace was sufficient and His strength was made perfect in Paul's weakness.But we are often too soft, I include myself here, compared to these giants of the faith.It is hard to read these words and not feel ashamed of our lack of endurance, faithfulness, integrity, patience, passion - and love. AK

'For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all,like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men...To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things'.1Cor.4.9.11-13

'We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything'.2 Cor.6.3-10