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. 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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

It’s hard to understand how the Apostle Paul could describe the hardships faced by himself and the early church as “light and momentary troubles.” After all this was the man who had been beaten, imprisoned, and shipwrecked. He had suffered in countless ways and yet he never lost his eternal perspective. His troubles were certainly not light by any measure! However when compared with his relationship with Christ and the opportunity to be his servant they seemed by comparison insignificant.

This current public health crisis does not seem light either. In fact, it is quite possibly the greatest challenge that our nation has faced in our lifetime. It is a time for all of us that follow Christ to clearly see what is happening and take it very seriously. However we should not “fix our eyes” on it, but instead focus on the truth that in the midst of this time, God is at work in and through us. He is renewing us inwardly every day. He wants to use us to care for our neighbors. In the same way that God used the hardships of Paul’s life, he will use this time in our lives if only we fix our eyes on him and keep an eternal perspective.

For Reflection

• How can I take this crisis seriously, but yet have an eternal perspective?

• How might God be using this time renew my faith?

Prayer

Lord, in these anxious days help me to keep an eternal perspective, confident that you are at work in all things. Give me the wisdom and courage for this day ahead. Amen