Devotions: Take HEART!

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 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 4:17-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The way we keep from being discouraged by aging is by keeping an eternal perspective. Though physical trials can be very difficult (we have had a rash of various illness and ailments here for the last few months) they are temporary. They usually do not last a lifetime, and even if they do they will not continue beyond this life. We still have eternity to look forward to, which will be perfect and without disease or illness or pain. The suffering we experience in this life is nothing compared to the glory we will have in heaven. Consequently, it also pales in comparison to the suffering to be experienced in eternity by those who reject Christ. Where is eternity for you and for those whom you love?

Yet there is even more to keep us going than the simple knowledge that this too shall pass. The trials we go through here are growing in us a maturity that will result in greatness to come. We share in Christ’s suffering but we also share in His glory. If we will but look upon our suffering as a matter of course, and work through it with the hope and trust that God’s will is best and He will get us through, that He is our protector and healer. We need to keep our eyes on the things of God! We need to focus on Him and not on ourselves or our circumstances! The only difference between a victim and a victor is perspective. And we cannot be victorious in this life if we maintain the status of victim. We need to leave our pity party and live for God! I mean this not as a “woe is me, it doesn’t matter so I’ll just move on”, but in the full assurance that God is sovereign and good. He is everything we need no matter what we think or want. We need to be fully satisfied with God and what He has for us. If we will have that view, we will grow and mature, we will gain an inner beauty and strength that will withstand any trial, and draw many to wonder. This life is not about us, it is about God, about living for Him, about our lifelong journey of seeking Him, and one day coming to that “pot of gold” at the end: heaven! Take heart!