2 Corinthians 10:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Belief is a function of the mind. If I were to say I believe, where is my proof? If my Lord says that I believe He is my proof. The only unanswered question in all that is how does anyone know I believe?
2 Corinthians 13:3 English Standard Version (ESV) since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
I do not have to prove anything nor should I try. My Lord will prove to others what is true and if I be true, then it will be seen by the power of God which abides in them. Now for the tricky part. This will only happen if it serves God’s purpose. The Spirit responds to the will of God, not me.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
If the life of Christ is to be seen in us, it is not going to be in those times when everything is good and easy. It is when afflictions come, when we are perplexed, persecuted and attacked that Christ appears, if not to others then at least to ourselves.
Romans 8:18 English Standard Version (ESV)
Future Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Can you believe this by faith?