“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 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.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
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The Apostle Paul wrote the book of 2 Corinthians while he was suffering trials, troubles, and distresses as he preached the good news of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:23–28, Paul describes some of his hardships, which included imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, danger, and other persecutions.
Even during these difficulties, Paul knew that one day all the pain and suffering of this world would be over. One day he would obtain God’s rest and rewards. As we face great troubles, it is easy to focus on the temporary pain rather than our ultimate goal. Instead, we must glorify the Lord and remember that one day we will spend eternity with Him.
Specifically, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul teaches us that by having an eternal perspective, we can endure the sufferings of life and remain faithful to the Lord. Keeping an eternal perspective allows us to see difficulties in life in the right way. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul says that the troubles of this life are “light momentary afflictions” compared to the “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” awaiting believers in the Lord.
When Christians have an eternal perspective, we can see that the worst suffering in life, as bad as it might be, is truly light compared to the eternal weight of joy that heaven will bring. The joy of heaven will far outweigh any trials we face here on earth.
As we serve the Lord and bring Him glory in this earthly life, it will, without a doubt, bring moments of tribulation for believers. We live in a world hostile to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May we live for Christ with an eternal perspective, realizing that all suffering and sorrow will be brought to an end quickly. Living for Jesus in this earthly life will be more than worth it when we are finally standing in His presence.
LET US PRAY…
Father, help us to live life with an eternal perspective, which will help us put all suffering, pain, and sorrow in perspective. Lord, may we persevere in serving You even when it is not easy, knowing that it will be more than worth it when we receive our eternal reward. Father, empower us to stand faithfully for You no matter the persecution that we will face for it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.