They suffered great persecution because verse 8-9 says that they were troubled on every side, yet not distressed, perplexed but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed. No matter what they faced they faced it with trust in God. According to verses 16-18, even though they were suffering in the outward man, the inward man was being renewed every day.
They called what they were facing a light affliction. Their light affliction might make some of us run and hide for a month. They refused to look at the things they saw because they were only temporary. They looked at the things they couldn’t see, the things that were eternal. Things they were sure of, like heaven and eternity with Jesus.
This wonderful hope is also ours. Just as Paul and the others could face their trials and problems with a hope and confidence in God, so can we. We too are children of God and we have the same hope they do. This life is not all there is. So cheer up and look up, for our redemption draweth nigh. Glory to God!!!!