An Eternal Glory

“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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18).

What kind of light and momentary troubles are you dealing with today? At first glance we may assume “light and momentary troubles” are merely the minor annoyances and time robbers of life such as getting stuck in a traffic jam, spilling a cappuccino on the carpet such as Brooksyne did yesterday in our van, or dealing with a leaky faucet as I am right now.

But this is certainly not the case. Paul is writing of troubles that would rival or surpass our most difficult experiences in life. He had written a few verses previous to this; “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-11).

These are relatively “light and momentary troubles” in comparison to the ultimate glories of heaven and eternity. We might argue that they sure don’t seem light and momentary at the time we’re experiencing them! Some of these troubles are constant or recurring and weigh heavy on our hearts. Some of them are appearing in your mind’s eye even as you read this.

Yet we need to embed this truth deep in our hearts, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” I marvel as I consider the last part of the verse, “are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” These troubles are fulfilling a purpose ordained by God, achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. The small three letter word, “a-l-l” encompasses the multiple “light and momentary troubles” we continually experience as trials on this side of eternity.

This “eternal glory” must be the ultimate guide by which we view all that happens to us personally or in the world about us. We must live for the “then”, not just for the “now”. It’s something I’ve learned theologically and know in my heart to be true but need to constantly remind myself. As a believer in Christ I must remember that my times are in His hands. With my eyes I see only the physical results, but in my spirit I must always contend for the future eternal reward.

The big picture is so powerfully expressed by the Apostle Paul in these two verses. I’ve memorized it and even now, through eyes of faith, rejoice in its truth. But it only pertains to people of faith in Jesus Christ. People without faith are blind to the big picture. Understanding the eternal scope of life begins when we commit our lives to Christ. Have you done that?

Here’s a prayer of faith that essentially begins the journey of seeing beyond this immediate life to receiving the promised eternal life through God’s plan of salvation. If you have not done so I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today. And if you have done so already join me in reaffirming your commitment to Christ today.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for hearing my prayer.”

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, there is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity. As we work through these troubles enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily. Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God’s Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk. Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we don’t look for the deeper, spiritual, and eternal meaning that You have to teach us in all things. We stand in the strength of the Lord Jesus and pray in His name. Amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.