Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Guest (Male): Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada Sharing Hope. Just listen to Joni share about this hope-filled verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4. Here it is.

Joni Eareckson Tada: Here's what the Holy Spirit has to say to you today: "Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen." Short to the point, and a great way to find hope, don't you think? And I should know, living in this wheelchair. It's the way I have to look at things if I'm going to stay sane and live with joy and purpose. I have to fix my eyes on what is unseen. It's what keeps me going.

To help you do the same today, here are a few unseen things to focus on—that is, unseen divine realities that you can put your eyes on. Here is one: Fix your eyes on this. Every day, every hour, you are either inching yourself closer to becoming like Jesus, or you are becoming less like Jesus. True, God does the transforming, but you partner with him. So don't miss that today. Partner with God. Become more like Jesus as you trust and obey. And that's a big unseen thing on which to focus.

Honestly, I think about it all the time. If a day is like a thousand years in eternity, which it is, then every day and every hour, we are either gaining eternal reward or we're losing it. We are either building on our foundation gold, silver, and precious stones of obedience, or it's all wood, hay, and stubble that will one day be burned up. Friend, I do not want willful, stubborn sins to be the order of the day. No, I want God to work in my life because the cosmic stakes are just too high. So right there is a great unseen divine reality to fix your eyes on: partner with the Spirit today to become more like Jesus.

Here's another unseen divine reality to focus on: absolutely nothing today can separate you from God's love being poured out constantly toward you. You've got his full attention, so do not dare believe that he is off somewhere caring about other, more obedient Christians. You don't have to try to hold his interest; you already have it. So make good on that unseen reality. Say no to devilish lies that whisper you're not worth it, you're not measuring up, or you've already blown it, so why try?

Every moment is the beginning of the rest of your life, and the Holy Spirit is right there with you right now, ready to refresh your heart and your perspective. Another unseen thing to focus on: how about this? The bottom line for you today is all about heaven. You are a pilgrim, and you are working toward, preparing for, and investing in heavenly glories above. Yes, it's a difficult journey to give your weakness to God and just feel his strength today, but buttress your heart, would you?

Friend, these are just a couple of unseen things that God wants us to focus on, for that which is seen is only temporary, but that which is unseen is eternal. Do not miss out on the blessings God has for you. After all, he's already given you every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, so grab hold of them. The blessings of God's presence, the power of the Holy Spirit, the unity you enjoy with Jesus Christ. So join me, pilgrim, in taking the next step onward and upward.

Guest (Female): And friend, thanks for listening to Joni Eareckson Tada Sharing Hope, where we love sharing hope through every hardship. And where we love praying for you. So go to joniradio.org today and tell us how we can pray for you. So go to joniradio.org and today remember: fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.