Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 

2 Corinthians 11:24-31 (ESV)

 

The Apostle Paul suffered many times for his faith in Christ. While he did not enjoy his life experiences, he has learned to trust Jesus to help him get through them. He gained the confidence and courage to pursue his purpose because he saw himself as Christ sees him.

Learn to love and cherish yourself.

Despite physical hazards and betrayals from false allies, Paul maintained a good sense of self-respect and personal worth. How you treat yourself is more important than how others treat you. Don't wait for others to do what you should do for yourself. Instead, be kind to yourself and be the best you can be because you represent Christ.

People will come and go from your life for a variety of reasons.

When some people choose to leave your life, they blame you in some way. Their negativity and toxic attitude toward you often reveal their own unhappiness and inner conflicts. It is far easier for them to make you the scapegoat than it is for them to own their part in the breakdown of a friendship. You don't have to believe what they say simply because they say it. After all, they will use anything to justify their action and behaviour. Don't let their inability to love or accept you define the person you are in Christ. Don’t let their nasty deceitfulness undermine your identity and worth.

You are a far better person than what others say or think of you.

Sometimes you don't realise your true beauty and the value of who you are until they're gone from your life. Be strong. Don’t try to reason why they left but learn not to turn your brokenness into bitterness. Weep. Allow healing and forgiveness to flow from each tear. Restraint. Rest on God to give you the courage and strength to not retaliate or render evil for evil to anyone who has caused you harm or pain. But rather, press on and continue in endurance and joy to live your life faithfully for God and serve Him well in whatever capacity or circumstances He calls and places you in.