“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT
Focusing on what’s right before us can trip us up.
As believers, we have been instructed to walk by faith and not by sight but the trouble comes in when what God said is not lining up with what is going on in our present circumstances.
When challenges arise we must incline our hearts to focus more on God’s commands. Remember, His word provides us hope, encouragement, and the strength to keep moving. The more we attend to what is going on around us, on social media, or the news for that matter, we fill our hearts with fear and uncertainties.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of our lives. What we focus on will grow. I don’t know about you, but if I have a choice in what grows or becomes dominant in my life I would prefer it be the Word of God.
Fear torments. Fear paralyzed. If we are to reap the rewards God has promised we must gain control of our focus. The word lets us know that trouble does not last always. When it presents itself we must be quick to remember God is a very present help in the time of trouble instead of falling prey to fear. He may not deliver us quickly but He is at work behind the scenes, working out all things that concern us. The challenges we are facing right now are working for us to produce a great and a glorious reward. Can you hold on until it’s revealed? God is indeed at work on our behalf.
Lord, You see what we don’t see. You understand what we don’t understand. Help us to focus more on Your voice, Your Word rather than what we see. Help us to know Your ways. Help us to recognize Your voice. Remind us of Your plans to do us good and not evil. Strengthen our hearts as only a You can. In Jesus name Amen.
Grace and peace,
By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• He Guides Us
• Truth – God’s truth remains the same from age to age,
• Salvation Explained