2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – 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.

Paul had been explaining his willingness to undergo all kinds of suffering and danger because he had the certain hope of resurrection in his future. Although on the one hand, the process of physical decay was going on constantly, yet on the other hand there was a spiritual renewal which enabled him to go on in spite of every adverse circumstance. The fact that the outward man is perishing is all too evident in our bodies! But Paul is here rejoicing in the fact that God sends daily supplies of power for Christian service. After reading the terrible afflictions which the Apostle Paul endured, it may seem hard for us to understand how he could speak of them as light afflictions. In one sense, they were not at all light. They were bitter and cruel. But, the explanation lies in the comparison which Paul makes. The afflictions viewed by themselves might be ever so heavy, but when compared with the eternal weight of glory that lies ahead, then they are light. Also, the light affliction is but for a moment, whereas the glory is eternal. The lessons we learn through afflictions in this world will yield great riches for us in the world to come.

Challenge:

Life can be so hard at times. Working hard day in and day out and never seeming to get ahead. Even when you begin to see some financial headway, the dishwasher breaks down or the holidays come rushing in adding even more bills that need to be paid. No matter how hard you try to be nice to your next door neighbor, they simply do not want to be kind in return. Perhaps it’s everything in your life that just does not seem to be going right. The dishes never get done, the laundry is always piling up, the grass needs cutting again, the leaves need raking, the house needs painting, and on and on your to-do list grows. Life is hard most times. But, even with everything that is happening to you right now in this moment, you too, can say with Paul, “there are much brighter days ahead”. This is what you call having hope. Hope in a God that can change your situation in the blink of an eye or a snap of His fingers. Do you have this hope in you today? Your challenge this week is to face every difficult task head on with faith and hope, knowing that God will get you through. Do not lose hope this week because God is working in you a far greater weight of glory. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Have a God centered week,