In 2 Corinthians 4.13, Paul quotes Psalm 116.10. It comes from a passage of hope, redemption and thanksgiving which the Psalmist (a king? Hezekiah?) offers to all of us...because he called out to the Lord. He says this in verse 4, 10. In the midst of big troubles--cords of death, anguish of the grave, trouble, sorrow, greatly afflicted and despair that people are not trustworthy (v. 11)--he calls out to God. The Lord heard and responded with graciousness, compassion, protection, deliverance, solace and strength.
In this vein that Paul encourages the Corinthian church to be bold. Our witness might be persecuted, chastised, derided, satired, and ignored. Though we might be disheartened (or worse), we can be lifted up. Paul's ministry is the great example. The Psalmist's experience should also excite us.
"Therefore, we do not lose heart." (2 Cor. 4.16). If Paul and other missionaries persevere, if we persevere, then grace is extended to "more and more people" (v. 15). There are more people giving praise to God and singing songs of thanksgiving. We will see this happen if we can find God's graciousness, compassion, protection, deliverance, solace and strength.
What else? We'll also benefit (v. 15). How? We'll be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all the legends of our faith (v. 14). We can be encouraged that our faith is validated by the growing numbers of believers. We can be strengthened through the experience of emotional, spiritual, mental and perhaps physical resurrections now and in the future.
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