2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul had certainly seen more than his fair share of affliction in his life. An extensive list of what he experienced included whippings, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, hunger, and a multitude of perils found in 2 Corinthians 11. He concludes that list by stating that at the end of it all, his daily concern does not regard his trials, tribulations, and fears but instead a “deep concern for all the churches.” Why can he look beyond these afflictions and essentially shrug them off? Because Paul has an eternal perspective.

He goes on to say in verse 18 that he focuses on the things that are seen rather than those that are not seen, since the things that are seen are temporal while those that are not seen are eternal. With this mindset, Paul knows what we experience in this life cannot begin to compare with eternity.

It is hard to grasp this concept from a human standpoint, but when we switch our perspective to the eternal it becomes easier to imagine. Lord, may we see our trials and tribulations from your perspective and like Paul may our anticipation of the coming exceeding and eternal weight of glory lighten the load of our affliction.

Jeff Mericle