2 Cor. 4:17, 18, 16 (in that order): “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
Day by day we are being renewed. No matter how our bodies feel. No matter how our immune system reacts. No matter our physical, emotional, or mental limitations. Day by day we are being renewed. We have a heavenly future ahead of us. The things on which we place our hope, our faith, and our trust are unseen, and they are eternal.
We have affliction on this earth, but Paul reminds us that it is light affliction, compared to eternal death, and that is but for a moment. This is NOT our final stop. Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Vs. 15 says, “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”
Our lives are about God. Our lives are about giving glory to God, growing in our relationships with God, and bringing other’s to the saving knowledge of God. He is the point of our lives. Heaven is our true home. We can trust what vs. 14 says, “He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus.” This our goal. This is our hope. This is the point.
Do not give up now. We all have affliction, but please remember that it is working for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Your testimony will be the glory of God that comes from the affliction through which you are now going. And it may just save lives.
Pr. 1:33 says, “whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” We are secure in God’s arms. In times of affliction, sometimes we feel like running from His arms is the only option, but it is those times when we need Him the most. Let’s choose to dwell in the safety and security of His protection. He is not only the One who created us fearfully and wonderfully; He is the Savior who longs to bring us home to Him again.
Don’t give up!
jamie
considering the word 