2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So 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.

If you have read the Bible then you know that the Apostle Paul, who wrote the text above, went through many very dark and difficult experiences in his service to Christ.  He calls the trials that he is going through, including prison, beatings, going hungry, shipwrecks and stoning, “light and momentary troubles.”

Why was he able to live this way?  Because he chose to fix his gaze on Jesus Christ!  Through prayer, through the Word, through fellowship, through a focus on the love of God and a deep personal relationship with God, Paul was able to consider these “light momentary troubles” as just a step in the road to great joy and glory. It kind of reminds me of what we are going through today, a little.  He is saying that our troubles can produce really good stuff for us!

This challenges me to pursue Christ, to know Him more, to love God with all that I am. The closer I get to Jesus, the more I can put all this “stuff” in its proper place.  The closer I am to Jesus, the more these troubles of life become gold in me.  Oh Jesus, help me, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and out of that love, to love those around all the more. Lord help me to fix my eyes on You!