“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.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Earlier in 2 Corinthians, Paul said, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in … Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life” (1:8). In his 2019 book Don’t Lose Hope, Jason Meyer points out that “comparison is the issue. Considered in themselves, the afflictions to which the Apostle Paul referred were not light at all!”
How did Paul and how do we fight overwhelming despair? Paul could describe his affliction as “light” once he weighed it against the glory of his hope in Christ.
Picture a balance scale, one where weights are placed on both sides. Put your tribulation in the pan on one side; it sinks low under the weight. But put the significance of the coming glory on the other side and, as Meyer wrote, it can “launch all … afflictions out of sight!”
Paul said the hardships were, in a sense, part of the preparation of the glory. As you put your hope in Jesus increasingly, you’ll find His goodness outweighing your trouble.
How did Paul and how do we fight overwhelming despair? Paul could describe his affliction as “light” once he weighed it against the glory of his hope in Christ.
Picture a balance scale, one where weights are placed on both sides. Put your tribulation in the pan on one side; it sinks low under the weight. But put the significance of the coming glory on the other side and, as Meyer wrote, it can “launch all … afflictions out of sight!”
Paul said the hardships were, in a sense, part of the preparation of the glory. As you put your hope in Jesus increasingly, you’ll find His goodness outweighing your trouble.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Insight
Written by Tim McCracken, Regional Director for Metanoia Prison Ministries, San Joaquin Valley, CA, reminding many brothers in Christ that glory awaits them.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 33-34
- Psalm 42
- Luke 6