What does "faint not at my tribulations" mean in Ephesians 3:13?

Wherefore is similar to the word therefore wherein the reader is exhorted to look back at the verse or verses that preceded this verse to understand the foundation of this verse. In this case, we read:

Ephesians 3:11-12 (KJV) -

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

We covered these verses in previous commentaries of encouragement so let’s move forward into what is said here within.

The word desire is a very interesting word.

I desire that there would be no pain or suffering in this world.

Don’t you?

Does my desire cause all pain and suffering to cease?

No.

Matthew 26:11 (KJV) - For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

That does not make my desire evaporate.

On that note please consider these verses wherein Paul also desired.

Galatians 4:20 (KJV) - I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

If Paul were present with them would he have written this verse in this way?

The word desire would make the entire verse break down if that were the case.

Philippians 1:23 (KJV) - For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

This is an interesting verse.

Here we see Paul desiring to be with Christ.

Dear reader, don’t you have that same desire?

I do.

Does our desire make it a reality?

1 Timothy 3:1 (KJV) - This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Here we see that it is good to desire a leadership position.

Would it not be ultra confusing if everyone that desired such received their desire?

One is not a bishop or leader because they desire such but rather because they have been appointed into that position.

So what is Paul desiring within this verse?

“that ye faint not at my tribulations for you”

Many people lead their lives attempting to avoid tribulation which seems like a good plan. I know I personally don’t run headlong after embracing trouble and persecution in my life but I also encourage my soul daily not to shrink away from it if it should present itself. I will admit that I have not been 100% perfect within this process but praise God and His dear Son that they are.

On that note, wouldn’t it be good to discover what the Bible’s position on this matter of tribulation is?

Romans 5:3-5 (KJV) -

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Or how about:

James 1:2-4 (KJV) -

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

In the days wherein we find ourselves I personally believe that tribulations and persecutions are just beginning to mount. Now is the time we are to take up the cross of Christ and move forward in His power, presence, and position.

Within this scope let me be extremely clear that it is not God that is bringing these troubles upon humanity. Not only would such violate the essence of His very character but such verses as the following would be immediately found in error.

James 1:13-15 (KJV) -

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

And again:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

In fact, Paul here concludes that tribulations, persecutions, and other such trouble for the cause of Christ actually lead to bountiful blessings.

1 Peter 4:16 (KJV) - Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

In fact, to shrink away from such just might be our very undoing at least according to these following words from the Son of God, Himself.

Matthew 10:38 (KJV) - And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Wherein we find ultimate and eternal glory.

1 Peter 4:12-14 (KJV) -

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.