A coming glory that outweighs today’s troubles
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians. 4:17).
How do we respond to a crisis? Sudden Death of our dear ones, financials breakdowns, losing job, family problems, accidents, sickness, betray , violence, victims of people and politics, torture by others and so on and so forth can cause depression and distress in life. In time of such crisis we whisper “why O God” “where is God?” Sometimes we are attacked by the enemy in our weakest moments. When we are confronted by intimidating situations and events, our enemy creates more confusion, makes us weaker and helpless and pushes us to hopelessness. How we respond to such a predicament. Too often, we fail to view suffering with an eternal perspective. At some point, we all will face hardships, losses, and painful circumstances. But our heavenly Father always has a purpose for adversity in our lives, and we can profit from it if we respond correctly.
Apostle Paul began 2 Corinthians 4th chapter with a constructive proclamation “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. “(2 Corinthians 4:1-2) ‘Therefore is part of the answer, because it points us back to what Paul has just said. Paul has just explained that his death-like trials made for more effective, life giving ministry for the Corinthian Christians. When Paul considered the greatness of his calling, it gave him the heart to face all his difficulties. We often lose heart because we do not consider how great a calling God has given us in Jesus.
Paul knew his glorious calling to ministry was not due to his own righteous works; it was as we have received mercy. Mercy, by its very nature, is undeserved. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Another reason why Paul does not lost heart is, because, though all his suffering takes a toll on the outward man, yet the inward man, is being renewed and blessed! Outward man, has the same idea as the ‘Earthen Vessels’ in 2 Corinthians 4:7 and Mortal Flesh in 2 Corinthians 4:11. The message is the same: “On the outside, we are suffering and taking a beating. But on the inside, God is blessing and renewing us!” When Paul writes “our light affliction,” isn’t writing as a kindergartner in the school of suffering. Paul has an advanced post graduate degree! He describes some of these sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28:
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches”
And those are just the physical, outward sufferings! What about the spiritual burdens he bore and spiritual attacks he faced? This rich theology of suffering was forged on the anvil of his own experiences of ‘the sufferings of Christ. Why is our affliction light? Because even the worst of our affliction, when we consider the measure of eternity, is but for a moment, this is partially true in the sense that most of our troubles come and go, and “this too shall pass.” But it is also true in the sense that even a long life by this world’s standard is nothing on the scale of eternity. Even if one were to live for a hundred years and suffer every day of their lives, by the measure of eternity, it is but for a moment. Why is our affliction light? Because of what God is accomplishing in us through our affliction is a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
The Scriptures are clear: if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together (Romans 8:17). Glory is tied to suffering, and God will accomplish in us a glory far heavier than any affliction we have suffered here. Affliction is not something to be endured in order to reach glory. It is the very process, which creates the glory. Through travail comes birth. Yes, our affliction is light compared to what others are suffering. Our affliction is light compared to what we deserve. Our affliction is light compared to what Jesus suffered for us. Our affliction is light compared to the blessings we enjoy. Our affliction is light as we experience the sustaining power of God’s grace. Our affliction is light when we see the glory that it is leading to. We really can say with Paul, “our light affliction.”
Paul isn’t saying that all afflictions automatically produce glory. It is possible to allow suffering to destroy us, and to let affliction make us bitter, miserable, and self-focused. But if we will look to the things, which are not seen, then, our affliction will work in us an eternal weight of glory. This is why next verse Paul says “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 4:18) Whatever storms may arise, we have an infallible and almighty God, who will be a Sun and a Shield to those who love Him! As long as we live, new trials will be needful. It is not that the Lord delights in grieving us and putting us to pain; on the contrary, He rejoices in the prosperity of His servants. No, it is not for His pleasure--but for our profit, that we may be made partakers of His holiness!
Dear friends, Are you faced with discouragement? Remember, Even though you walk through the most depressing situations, your Lord will not let you go down to the depth. He will lift you up and hold you in His hands. Bible says in Psalms 18:18 “They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.” God will never forsake His children. Our Lord will be our support when all other support Vanish. Whatever may be the immediate causes of our troubles--they are all under the direction of a gracious hand--and each, in their place, cooperating to a gracious end! They are all tokens of His love and favor--and are necessary means of preparing and promoting us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. He knows what physical, emotional and spiritual support you need during these trying times and will supply all needs in the right measure. He will enable you to hold on to His promises. When the enemy pulls your legs, the Lord will place your feet on solid grounds. When your friends forsake us, the Lord will come to give you company. He went visiting Elijah, Peter, Paul and John in their seemingly hopeless situations and lifted up their sagging spirits. He illuminated their hearts with hope. The Lord knows what you are going through today and will give you the right support at the right time in the right measure.
God knows our frame, and of what we are made. His pity exceeds that of the tenderness parent. And though He causes grief--He will have compassion. Our afflictions, which at present are not joyous but grievous, shall, when they have duly exercised in us--yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. I trust the Lord gives us a measure of patience and submission to His holy will. If so, everything shall be well--and when He has fully tried us--we shall come forth as gold! The Lord knows what is best for us! When there is a special need for us being in the furnace--He knows how to support us; and at what season, and in what manner, deliverance will best comport with His glory and our good. These are the two great ends, which He has in view, and which are inseparably connected together. Keep in mind, Troubles will be no troubles, distresses will be no distresses, and dangers will be no dangers--if God's presence is with us. God’s special presence will turn. . Storms into calms, winter nights into summer days, prisons into palaces, weakness into strength, poverty into plenty, death into life. God's presence makes-heavy afflictions--light, and long afflictions--short, and bitter afflictions--sweet. A man in misery, without this gracious presence of God, is in a very hell on this side hell. God's gracious presence makes every condition--to be a little heaven to the believing soul.
Remember Lion’s den was a platform for promotion for Daniel. Prison was the platform for elevation for Joseph to the position of Prime Minister. Dungeon was the platform for writing the Scriptures down for Paul. The shade of the broom tree was the platform for re-commissioning Elijah for greater ministries. The prison was preparation time for Peter to find John Mark which ended up in the writing of a Gospel. Patmos was the arena for the revelation of Jesus Christ in His glory for the isolated John the beloved. Our Lord is working for us behind the scene. He will extend relentless support for us because we are part of His grand plan. No matter who walks out on you, the Lord will continue to support and strengthen you. Let your life be a platform of praise for who He is to you in times of adversity, disaster, suppression, oppression, rejection and isolation. We are in the hands of Him who does all things well, and conducts His most afflictive dispensations to those who fear Him, with wisdom and mercy! And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His Purpose.” … (Rom 8; 28) My prayer is that you will surrender to the grace and love of the Father, even in the midst of adversity. Then you will be able to turn each crisis of your life into an amazing opportunity to see Him work. Therefore saints, be of good cheer! -your best days are yet to come!
