And yet God refused to answer his prayer of escapism. It was God s plan for the affliction hammering him to bless him by saving him from the quicksand of pride. Over and over Scripture tells us to rejoice in trials. This is not so that we can act macho but because trials really are something to rejoice about. Trials do us good, developing character and spiritual benefits that will last for all eternity.
Trials truly are a blessing.
They equip us for ministry. They equip us for eternity. Like Paul, however, when we re in the midst of them we want out . There are times when God loves us too much to answer those escapist prayers. God has our long-term good at heart, not some short term high that fizzles.