TUESDAY August 11, 2020
Suffering for a Moment
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.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Paul caused us to consider our sufferings. They last for just a moment compared to the glory of heaven in eternity. Paul carried these thoughts over into the book of 2 Corinthians. Christians should not lose heart. In reality, as our outward man is perishing, our spirit is renewed each day.
We live in an imperfect, corrupt world, and we shall all go through suffering. Yet God is in control of our lives. When we see our loved ones suffering with cancer, or our child becomes seriously ill, we may ask God, “Do not let them suffer, give it to me, and let me take the pain!” However God, in His love and mercy, is working through the circumstances. He knows what is best. You cannot argue with the sovereignty and will of God.
Sometimes a person will go through a season of suffering because God, in His love, is chastening them. God will place a person on their back for a couple of months because of sin and disobedience. That way He has their full attention and can speak to them. Some people feel they can get away with their sin because God’s judgment has not come, and they feel they are still being blessed, while enjoying sinful pleasures.
Learn this lesson well. God’s judgment may not come now, but it will come later. Why wait until it is too late? Why suffer the consequences? Seriously, God intends to use your life and bless you. Why miss out on these opportunities? If you choose to live a life of faith and obedience, then whenever sufferings may come, you will know you are in God’s perfect will––you will have peace.
For however severe may be a Christian's trials, they cannot last very long, and the blessed fruit they bear will last while the ages endure.
~A. W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!