Producing Eternal Glory

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2 Cor. 4:16-18 NAS)

When we are in the midst of trouble, we may feel that what we are facing is unbearable. We use phrases such as “one day at a time.” I hear the words of a famous hymn: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…” These words reflect the seasons of human suffering when we feel we can barely make it another day.

In 2 Cor. 4, Paul speaks of his apostolic experience using words such as “afflicted in every way”, “perplexed”, “struck down” and “delivered over to death”. That doesn’t really sound like the life many people are really hoping for! The good news is, very few saints are truly called to this level of sacrifice, although certain people do pretend to have such a calling. Paul said “death works in us (the apostles); but life in you (the saints)”. The apostles suffered many things, by the grace of God, so that the church could experience more life. Although we may not suffer as the apostles did, none of us is immune to the tragic experiences of this life. If we have not suffered much ourselves, as we bear each other’s burdens, we do not have to go far to find difficult situations.

Paul’s remedy to this dilemma is an understanding of several things. First, our afflictions during this life are said to be momentary and light. I know, they don’t feel that way, but comparatively they are temporary and we are able to bear them. Not only that, our suffering can actively produce an eternal, heavy weight of glory that is far beyond all comparison with our current trouble. Our present and future glory is increasing as we persevere in trials and tribulations, and the hope of this glory should make suffering much lighter and bearable in comparison. But, lastly, we can only produce this glory and make our trials work for us if we focus, not on the temporary circumstances of this life, but on the eternal glory that is being stored up for us in heaven! 

We live in two worlds, the temporal world in which things are seen and the eternal world of those things which are unseen. Our faith allows us to transcend the here and now and enter into the hope of eternal life and the glorious liberty of our heavenly inheritance in Christ! Hear the apostle’s instruction. Know that suffering is producing eternal glory.  Remember to look up and focus on things above. Then the troubles of this life will dim, as the light of the glory of God shines into our hearts and minds. Surely they will pass more quickly and become much lighter when compared to that which is unseen.  Persevere! You are truly producing great glory! Do you not long to be rich toward God? I do too! I know He loves us so much that He will repay us far beyond anything we can ask or think, and I can’t wait to see the glory he has prepared for you and me! It’s not long now….just a few breaths and we will be with Him for all eternity.

Look up, for our redemption is drawing near!