2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”
The apostle Paul begins 2 Corinthians 4 with a declaration that in doing the ministry he has received he does not faint or lose heart. Even though he experiences all types of affliction (which he tells throughout the chapter) he proclaims he does not lose heart.
Why?
Because Paul looks at life from an eternal point of view. He weighs his suffering here on God’s scales. He is convinced that his trials are WORKING FOR HIM, NOT AGAINST HIM. With all he has faced (See 2 Cor. 11 for the list of his excruciating experiences), he calls them light afflictions and that these “light afflictions” are only for a brief moment!!!
The word for “working” may be better stated as “PRODUCING.” The trials and tribulations (light afflictions) are like a “workout” designed to produce a strong person. Here Paul sees how his suffering and thus our sufferings produce eternal results and rewards.
We must look at life from heaven’s perspective. Life will surely take a new meaning when you are seeing things through God’s eyes. The CSB version says “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”
You might want to memorize this verse!
AN APRIL TO BELIEVE Note
With Easter this Sunday, April 20, we are reading through the Gospel of John. On this April 17th, we encourage you to read/listen to John 17 where Christ is the Intercessor. The key verse for BELIEVING in Jesus is John 17:8. It says, “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You, and they have believed that You sent Me.” May this April be an April to Believe!
Continue Strong with an eternal perspective,
And remember to DATE The Word