This is for a dear friend who is currently very discouraged. And, most likely, also for me, considering the recent turmoil I've been dealing with.
God uses the craziest things to get my attention! And, of course, He often teaches me things when I'm driving in the car. Well, this morning being the first day of school, I had my radio tuned to WRVL, which is Liberty University's station, and Nancy Lee DeMoss' program, "Revive Our Hearts" came on. I haven't heard Nancy Lee all summer, because - of course - I wasn't in the car coming back from dropping my daughter off at school!
The verse which really caught my ear was 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
I'm wondering. How many people out there are dealing with chronic illness? Marital strife? Rebellious and unruly children? Financial difficulties? Unjust condemnation? Consequences for poor choices? Death of loved ones? Persecution?
Nancy Lee made the point that, when put up against the eternity which awaits us, the eighty or so years of life that we live is really a very short time. When we step back and look at where we are now, and what is to come, we are better able to call our trouble a "light affliction."
For example, Nancy Lee mentioned Joni Eereckson Tada. Joni grew up as a very active and outgoing young woman, until a terrible accident paralyzed her from the neck down. She has now been in a wheelchair for forty years, and is dependant upon others for the simplest things other people take for granted. Yet Joni is filled with joy and confidence, placing her faith in the Rock of her salvation, while the ocean of tribulation rages around her.
What did Paul write to the Corinthians before he mentions his "light afflictions"?
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul sets his mind, his confidence, on the risen Lord. All the afflictions he went through, Christ had already suffered. The physical death we fear has already been endured by Christ, and He utterly conquered it. His Resurrection is the seal of God's approval on His sacrifice, and proof of His power to fulfill His promises.
Therefore, I close with the words of James:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
And the words of Peter:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
And may the God of mercy and grace dwell richly within you, renewing your heart and strength. May His peace, which surpasses all understanding, lift you up and place you on the solid Rock.
