Keep your focus on Jesus!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)

Paul concluded that the Corinthians should not lose heart, because God would raise them up with Jesus (2 Co 4:14). Here is a great principle. A proper focus on our glorious future with Christ will empower us to endure any kind of trouble. The outward man is the physical body, called in this section “the earthen vessel” (2 Co 4:7), “the body” (2 Co 4:10), “mortal flesh” (2 Co 4:11), “earthly house” (2 Co 5:1), and “tent” (2 Co 5:1).

It is easy to lose heart and quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Don’t let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today’s pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

Working means “producing,” or “accomplishing.” Afflictions produce glory. But the glory is out of proportion to the affliction: trials are light and temporary compared to the eternal glory we will receive (see Mark 10:30). Paul’s focus on the future enabled him to properly assess problems and see how small they were compared to their eternal results.

Our troubles should not diminish our faith or disillusion us. We should realize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits: (1) they remind us of Christ’s suffering for us; (2) they keep us from pride; (3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life; (4) they prove our faith to others; and (5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. See your troubles as opportunities!

Look means “to keep one’s eye on,” “to consider,” or “to contemplate.” The noun form of this verb means “goal” (for example, in Phil. 3:14). In order not to lose heart, the believer needs to shift his or her focus from that which is seen to that which is not seen, from temporary problems to the glorious eternal rewards he or she will receive (Phil. 3:17).

Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing terrible illness, persecution, or pain is the realization that this life is not all there is – there is life after death! Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we face in this life.

Father God, it is my prayer that whatever happens to me in this world, whether good or bad, that I always keep my eye’s and faith on Your Son and my Lord Christ Jesus. Lord continue to search my heart and rid me of any pride or jealousy that will hinder me from drawing close to You. Lord, I live only for You and give You all the glory that You so rightly deserve. Thank you Lord for taking my place on the cross and dying for me so I can have eternal life in Heaven with You and my Holy and Almighty God. Amen.


References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.