2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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.
Even as I was typing today’s verses, my mind was wandering back to our new office phones. (Why can’t I transfer messages to Christine? How do I avoid listening to a list of prompts? Why didn’t that guy leave us better instructions? Why is he not answering my text?) Okay, I am back. The everyday concerns of my life so often take over my mind and unfortunately my heart. It takes effort for me to get back to God sometimes. Then, when I realize how caught up in the world I have become, I wonder what God really thinks of me. Paul reminds me as long as I hold on to God, I am holding on to what is not temporary, but what is eternal. Temporary is not all that important in the scheme of things. Eternity with my Creator is everything.
Father God, forgive me when I get caught up in the unimportant everyday frustrations of life. Help me to turn more quickly to you for direction and peace. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So far in life, I have been blessed with good health. Even now as I approach 80, I try to focus on other things. Paul’s verses and Jesus’ love assure me of better things to come when my body begins to seriously age. For now, however, I will focus on the work he wants me to do while I am able. Prayer: gracious God I thank you daily for all the gifts you have given me. Amen
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light, and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
There have been occasions when looking at old photos, someone will say, is that you?? The changes we experience as we age are external, but it is the inward changes that matter and cannot be seen. The troubles we endure in this life are also part of the process. It is the inward growth and our belief in Jesus that give us the assurance of eternal life. I would rather be old and wrinkled on the outside…
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 This scripture speaks volumes regarding the assurance and faith that I need as I grow older and closer to the promise of eternal life. It is so easy to just quit. We have all faced problems making us think we should just walk away. This is where my inner strength will be present. Like Paul, this is where I am being renewed by the Holy Spirit reminding me to trust and believe , not on what I see, but what I don’t see. I have to do the same. Never give up my eternal reward, for the sake of all the worldly interruptions in my life. Lord, no matter what difficulty I may face, I must decide t…
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Paul reduces all of life’s struggles as “light and momentary troubles.” This emphasizes the assurance that the very best to come is in our life eternal with God. I sometimes become discouraged with my “outward wasting away,” given the vision I had for a post-retirement ministry. I cannot ignore what is seen, but I place my trust in God to put me in a place where I can best advance the Kingdom, whatever the state of my strength, stamina and overall health.
Prayer - God of the unseen, help me to weather what is temporary and rely on Your promises. Let me face the rest of this life’s journey secure in the knowledge that all things work…
I understand about being frustrated with things, that at the moment seem so important. When I was working in an office setting and having so many demands placed on me I would think, how do I get this all done? I would become overwhelmed. When I would just take a few moments to look at the "big picture" an focus on what the most important thing was to do I would become calmer so I could do one thing at a time.
Dear God, let me rest assured that you are always with me so that I can keep my focus on what is really important in life. Calm me so I can hear what you are saying to me.…