II Corinthians 4:8-18

2 Corinthians 4

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

There are things in this world that are hard. We get beat up, discouraged, frustrated… Maybe you face an illness or ailment that has you down. Maybe it’s a relationship that despite giving it to God, still plagues you. Maybe it’s the way you’ve been treated or the family you’re in… Maybe its just a struggle with temptation you are failing to overcome. Whatever it is- it is real; it is hard.

Paul can definitely relate to this. He was beaten and imprisoned repetitively for the Gospel. But in this passage he reminds us that no matter how bad things get, God has our back. He holds us up. Verses 8 & 9 say that regardless of the very real struggles we face, we aren’t crushed, driven to despair (hopeless), forsaken (alone), or destroyed (defeated) when we are in Christ.

The passage continues and says that we don’t lose heart because although things are hard on the outside, God can renew us spiritually each day. Verse 17 gives us perspective- this ‘light momentary affliction’ prepares us for eternity. Maybe it doesn’t feel ‘light’ or ‘momentary.’ But in comparison to the glory of eternity, it is!

Are you burdened? Afflicted? Discouraged? Focus on the eternal (vs 18). Remain heavenly minded. Allow God to renew you day by day through His Word.