2 Corinthians 6:4-5 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

George Muller shared in his autobiography how he sought the Lord during the trying times when he testified, “The careful reading of the Word of God, and especially through meditation on the Word of God, the believer becomes more and more acquainted with the nature and character of God, and thus sees more and more, besides His holiness and justice, what a kind, loving, gracious, merciful, mighty, wise and faithful Being He is, and, therefore, in poverty, affliction of body, bereavement in his family, difficulty in his service, want of a situation or employment, he will repose upon the ability of God to help him, because he has not only learned from His Word that He is almighty power and infinite wisdom have actually exercised in helping and delivering His people; and he will repose upon the willingness of God to help him, because he has not only learned from the Scriptures what a kind, good, merciful, gracious, and faithful Being God is, but because he has also seen in the Word of God, how in a great variety of instances He has proved Himself to be so. And the consideration of this, if God has become known to us through prayer and meditation on His own Word, will lead us, in general at least, with a measure of confidence to rely upon Him, and this meditation on the Word of God, will be one special means to strengthen our faith.”

2 Corinthians 6:4-5 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

The Apostle Paul revealed that in the gospel work, he experienced afflictions. This word means literally pressure, pressing together, of suffering brought on by outward circumstances affliction, oppression, trouble [Friberg]. Indeed, he articulated well this testing of his faith that brought the spiritual fruit of patience in his heart – Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.