DEVOTION – DAY 398

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 “An Eternal Perspective”

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 “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.”

The apostle Paul wrote in these verses explaining why he remained cheerful despite encountering problems and difficulties in his ministry. This was referenced by the term he used in calling his problems “wasting away”. Despite the problems he faced, he remained cheerful because he was able to say that inwardly, he was being renewed because he was living a new life in Christ. He was being spiritually renewed and refreshed each day as he sought the Lord in prayer. 

Paul simply looked at all his problems and challenges as temporary and light in comparison to what the Lord Jesus Christ had to face. Paul was convinced that what he was doing would have a far greater outcome and give rise to eternal glory that far outweighs his current minor sufferings he may face. This is a great encouragement for Christians who may face some suffering at present. If they look at their challenges from an eternal viewpoint, whatever they face will pale in comparison to what they can gain through Christ when they persevere despite the challenges. 

We know a Pastor who was moved by the number of homeless people in his hometown of Blackpool. He resolved to provide some help for such people. He began offering warm food to some of the homeless people. He had to turn some away because he ran out of food. He prayed and resolved to ask nearby restaurants and supermarkets for excess food that would otherwise be thrown away. He persevered and saw his food ministry as a way to reach out to the poor and homeless people in his town. Through interacting with them, he was able to share the gospel with some of them. The seeds sown would one day bear eternal fruit and that was what kept him continuing in this ministry. Today, he is feeding more than 200-300 people 5 days a week and the Lord has provided some co-workers and resources for him. For the poor and homeless, it was the only warm food they would get each week. They are experiencing God’s love through this food ministry.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are gracious and compassionate. Please help us to show grace and compassion to others. Please help us to look at our problems as momentary and see things from an eternal perspective and for your glory. We pray this in the holy and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. How do you see the problems and troubles you face today? Do you have an eternal perspective or do you allow the problems and troubles to drag you down?
2. What steps can you take to look beyond your current problems and seek the Lord so that you can be spiritually renewed? Discuss.
3. What can you start to do that will have an eternal impact on others in your circle of influence? 
4. Will you persevere despite your present difficulties and trust in the Lord?