So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory. Ephesians 3:13 HCSB

This is another therefore moment. Paul has used the last 11 verses to make a point about his suffering for the gospel so that the readers of Ephesians would be encouraged in their freedom.

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles — you have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you?

Ephesians 3:1‭-‬2 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.3.1-2.HCSB 

Paul kept his eyes on the most important stuff in the Christian walk; the gospel and people! If these things were not important or true to Paul then why would he suffer afflictions falsely? 

“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.  Because people will hand you over to sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues, beware of them. You will even be brought before governors and kings because of Me, to bear witness to them and to the nations. A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house ‘Beelzebul,’ how much more the members of his household!

Matthew 10:16‭-‬18‭, ‬24‭-‬25 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.10.16-25.HCSB

Paul knew this all too well. He lived it during his time on earth. First, being the one who hated the students, but then being the one who was hated for being the student. All too often we forget before Jesus we were following, by default, the Devil, but since we started following Jesus we have an enemy who wants to see us dismayed, defeated, and destroyed.

A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

John 10:10 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.10.10.HCSB

But Jesus wants us to have life in abundance. Because of Jesus' tortured death, Paul was afflicted but had life. We also are afflicted, but we also live. 

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.1.2-4.HCSB

Life will never be smooth sailing! For if we experience a storm-free life then we have never made the devil our enemy, but then God will use storms to draw us to Himself. But then if we have made the Devil our enemy he would be glad to cause storms in our life, but God wants to use those storms for His benefit and work it out for our good.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.8.28.HCSB

Hang in during your walk with Jesus, for the good stuff is promised to us who endure to the end, not just in eternity but now. If we can endure the storm we will come out to the other side better and blessed because of it. The storm is sent to discourage us, but Jesus has already overcome the storm.

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

John 16:33 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.16.33.HCSB