Paul didn’t (see 2 Cor. 4:1, 16 HCSB). He didn’t, even though he had greater reason than you probably do for giving up (see vs. 7-15).

What kept him going on and on and on in spite of his trials? He tells you later in the chapter. Even though trials were wearing him out physically, inwardly he was being “renewed day by day (v. 16).”

Now why would God pour strength into him that way? Because he had the proper outlook, for one thing.

Here’s what he said:

What is happening to me is momentary, light, affliction.   (v. 17).

How could he say that after all he underwent? He compared it with what was yet to come.

What was that? In contract to each of those three words, he looked forward to

an eternal weight of glory.

That’s what we all need—the belief in what God says awaits those who serve Him.