| Job 37:1-39:30, II Corinthians 4:13-5:10, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 22:13
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So, we do not look at what we can see right now the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” II Corinthians 4:16-18
I love Paul’s attitude! It all has to do with his perspective. The way you see the events of your life shape how you behave or react. Do you fall apart when you are confronted with a hardship? Like Paul, can you look around and say, “This isn’t great, but it will pass. Things like this will never happen in heaven.” Always look at heaven as the backdrop of your problems knowing that God sees, He is with you, and it can be used to give you strength. Like the eagle uses the thermal airs to lift him higher, we can use our issues to raise us to a new level above the conflict. Never give up; this life isn’t forever. One day we will lay this weak body down (pain, disease, mental illness) and slide right into our new heavenly body God has prepared for us! All these things that stress us now won’t even be a memory for the peace and joy that we will experience there. Shout!
PRAYER: Lord, help me to keep my eyes on eternity, knowing this life is passing away. Help me to walk in peace and stay in joy despite what is going on around me and in me. Teach me how to bring my soul under submission to Your Word while I am here. Love You Lord, amen. |
