How Did Paul Contribute To The Corinthian Believers

Paul, to the Corinthian believers: "We do not want you to be ignorant of the affliction we experienced in Asia." (2 Cor. 1:8a). Why? Why did Paul feel it was necessary to inform the Corinthians that he faced severe opposition and difficulties? Personally, I admit that I sometimes keep struggles to myself because I am embarrassed that I am going through them (a supervisor that did not like me), or sometimes I am concerned that people may think I am over my head (a project that is not coming together). I confess that, at times, I have expected that God would make a smooth path for me if he wanted me to do something. After all, if God wants us to do something, it is only sensible that He does His part in making it easier. Right? But that was not the case for Paul.
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death (vs. 8b-9)". Wow, that's a heavy burden. Whatever Paul was facing at the time, he faced the real possibility that it may end his ministry prematurely. He faced something that was even beyond human survival. I can imagine the prayer I would be praying, "Lord, if this is what you want me to do, please take away the obstacles." Can you relate?
But Paul has taught me a life principle from his own experiences. He said, "But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." (v. 9). What? Even Paul was tempted with self-reliance? God brought Paul to the brink of death, beyond his intellect, his strength, or any other human resource, so that Paul could only rely on God's grace, God's power that is made perfect in weakness (12:9). I thought God gave me intelligence, so that I could solve problems. Not always. I thought God gave me strength so I could get myself out of troubles. Not