Light And Momentary Troubles?

For those of us who are trusting in Christ we have a truth from God’s word which is important for us to keep in mind. It will be helpful for us to allow this truth to shape our understanding and perspective of what happens in life.

The truth is that the problems and troubles we endure as we stand for Christ are small [this next part is critically important…] when we understand them in the light of eternity. Think about it: anything which is finite and temporary is small in the light of eternity.

Please know I am not trying to make light of anyone’s troubles. I would never want to do that. It is my basic inclination to “weep with those who weep.” However, I am trying to help put our troubles in perspective. What I am sharing is based on biblical truth, it is based on the truth that eternal life with God is real.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  2 Cor. 4:16-18

Don't Be Discouraged

A guy named Paul wrote the following words:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Some of the most optimistic people I know can, sometimes, look at the conditions of our world and be discouraged.  Or, they may be dealing with circumstances in their own lives that seem overwhelming and, again, a sense of despair can occur.

Paul’s circumstances were about as difficult as they get.  Discouragement would have been an understandable response for him.  But he did not descend into despair.

Paul writes further on the matter, based on his faith in Christ:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:16-18