Suffering for the Gospel, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Suffering is unpleasant. We do all we can to avoid it. And when we experience suffering, we often attempt to minimize the knowledge of how much it affects us to others. We are tempted to look at others who seem not to have much suffering as more greatly blessed by God. And we often wonder when suffering comes to our lives if it is evidence of God's displeasure.Paul opens this letter to the Corinthian church with an honest word about suffering. From the passage, we can see three principles concerning suffering.1. Suffering is real2. Suffering prepares for ministry3. Suffering binds us together