I think - from the moment Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he knew trials were coming.

• I think he truly LIVED - from that point - with a “Jesus is all that matters” worldview.
• In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul contrasts our earthly existence (likened to a temporary "tent") with an eternal "building from God". 
  • He states that being away from the body means being "at home with the Lord," emphasizing a joyful confidence that longs for the life to come.
• In Romans 8, he views heaven not just as an escape from earth, but as the "redemption of our body" and the restoration of all creation from its current state of suffering.
• And all throughout persecutions and trials, he and his fellow Apostles STAY THE COURSE.  
  • And as they do, they rejoice in the Lord, praising God for what they know will be the eternal results: Souls being added to heaven!