Keep Difficulties in Perspective

Note from today’s Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5

Hardships are a part of life. Everyone faces trials and challenges that will test their resolve and cause them to wonder how to continue.

The apostle Paul certainly experienced his share of trouble. After he obeyed the gospel, he was severely persecuted with beatings, imprisonment, and more. His work in spreading the gospel was difficult and dangerous. Despite all of this, he displayed an attitude that we should emulate.

He told the brethren in Corinth, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Paul’s life was far from easy, yet he saw his difficulties as “momentary” and “light.” How could he do that? He was comparing them with the “eternal weight of glory” in the Lord’s promise to the faithful.

He explained that we can focus on either the “things which are seen” or the “things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18) – the “temporal” or the “eternal.” When we keep ourselves focused primarily on the eternal promises of God, the trials of life seem incredibly less significant.

So keep difficulties in perspective. Following Christ will not give us an earthly life that is free from problems. However, the greatness of His promises will help us look beyond our present trials with hope for eternity.