Whatever Was to Our Gain

I can identify with 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 when it says, “outwardly we are wasting away.” After all, I'm in my 70's, and aging is a natural part of life.

But I can also identify with Paul's statement that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” That's why we “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

We can take our negative, fearful thoughts captive when we focus on the beauty of eternity (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Paul exemplified a passion for the Lord that I want to exhibit in my life too. He considered nothing more important than knowing Christ. He even welcomed suffering if it came from serving God (Philippians 3:7-11).

I admit I don't welcome suffering, but I pray God gives me strength to endure it for His kingdom. 

As we face life's difficulties in our anti-Christian culture, let's press into our Lord, trust the Bible, and speak up even when it hurts. 

We may suffer rejection from friends and family for our uncompromising faith, but we have a God who loves us with an everlasting love that is worth more than anything the world offers.

“The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

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For more encouragement to live for the Lord, see We Must Stop the "Judge Not" Shame Game and I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel.