Sometimes things are difficult to bear. Sometimes people want to just throw up their hands and say, “I give up. It’s too hard. I can’t do it.” When was the last time that you felt this way about something? Last month? Last week? Yesterday? Today?
In 2 Corinthians 4:1, Paul wrote, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,” (NASB) He then goes on to tell us of hardships they had endured. He concluded this chapter by saying, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
There is an interesting (to me) thought when I read through these verses. The longer we live the more we see this as a greater truth. But Paul said we do not give up. We may ask, “Paul, was it truly worth it? Was it worth the physical, emotional and mental pain that you bore?” I believe he answers “yes” to these questions.
Did you notice that Paul said in verse 17 “For momentary, light affliction…” The things he endured were difficult. But he stayed faithful to God throughout His life. He looked at the trials and tribulations of each day as momentary, light... compared to what awaits the Christian after this life is over. There is an eternal weight of glory for the true and faithful child of God.
Also, he pointed out how he came to this conclusion. Paul was looking at the future, not what could see in the present. He stated the things that are seen are temporal. They are not long lasting. When we leave this world, we cannot take anything with us. Yet many live each day as if this life is all that is important. Accumulating possessions may give us satisfaction here, but we must leave them behind.
Paul looked at the things that are not seen. He looked at the reward waiting for him at the end of his journey. Paul looked at the eternal, not the present. And that’s how he could continue on. (Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8)
And that’s the reason all of us can do the same. There is something better awaiting the faithful Christian when this life is over. And the things that we endure in this body will not be able to even compare to what awaits us. I hope and pray all of us are living our lives according to the word of God so we can partake of it.