2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - This, Too, Will Pass.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (Phillips) This is the
reason why we never lose heart. The outward man
does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day
the inward man receives fresh strength. 17 These
little troubles (which really are so transitory)
are winning for us a permanent, glorious and
solid reward out of all proportion to our pain. 18
For we are looking all the time not at the
visible things but at the invisible. The visible
things are transitory: it is the invisible things
that are really permanent.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) Therefore we do
not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting
away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by
day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is
seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
COMMENTARY PEARLS
When crisis hits, you have to do the
smart things necessary to get through it. You
listen to what the experts say, you make good
choices, and you keep moving forward, remembering at
the same time that this will pass. Its not
going to last forever!
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:12, "Dear
friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go
through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no
strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to
you" (TLB).
In this world, there will be times of
trial and testing - its guaranteed! Since sin
entered the world, nothing works perfectly.
Everything on this planet is broken - the weather, the
economy, your body, and even your best plans. Nothing
works perfectly in this life because sin broke
everything on earth.
Isaiah 24 says, The land suffers for
the sins of its people [for they] have twisted
the laws of God and broken his everlasting
commands The earth has broken down in utter
collapse" (v. 4-5, 19 TLB).
Everything is lost, abandoned, and
confused. Even nature is groaning. We may wonder why
God allowed sin and evil to enter the world, but
its because he gives us a choice.
We're the ones that cause evil. We're the
ones that are selfish and self-centered and cause
problems in society and in our environment. This is
why we're to pray the Lord's Prayer - "Thy will
be done on earth as it is in heaven" - because
this is not heaven. Heaven is a perfect place
with no sorrow, no sickness, no sadness, no
stress, and we shouldn't expect heaven on earth. One
day we'll get there, but we're not there yet.
We will get through this trial. One day
this coronavirus crisis will be a part of our
history. Soon enough we will marvel at all that God
did in the midst of this trouble as we look at
it from the other side.
And there will be more challenges to face
and adversity to endure. This is part of our
reality on this earth. But we always hope, because
"our light and momentary troubles are achieving
for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them
all. 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 4:17-18 NIV). [Daily Devotional by Rick
Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
Why me?
If youve never asked that question,
just wait. When life becomes really hard, most
people will eventually ask, Why me?
But this is the wrong question to ask
during your dark days. Instead, try asking, God,
whats your purpose in this?
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:6-7, You
are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials
and temptations. This is no accident - it
happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely
more valuable than gold (Phillips).
Nothing comes into your life
accidentally. God does not cause evil. But he can bring
good from every single thing, even from evil.
Trials reveal your character, maturity, security,
values, and faith.
One of the major figures in the Bible is
the apostle Paul. He devoted his entire life to
serving God. But, in many ways, Pauls life was
worse than you can imagine. He was stoned,
shipwrecked, beaten, left for dead, imprisoned, whipped,
and robbed.
But he was never bitter. Instead of
asking, Why me? he looked for and trusted
Gods purpose. He learned to trust God in his
problems, even when he didnt understand.
What is the secret to his persistence?
This is the reason why we never collapse
These little troubles (which are really so
transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and
solid reward out of all proportion to our pain
(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Phillips).
You can hold on to hope because God has a
purpose and even a reward that exceeds your pain.
When Jesus died on the cross, his
followers thought it was a senseless tragedy, a total
mistake. But what they couldnt see was God still
on his throne, carrying out a bigger purpose.
After Jesus resurrection, he appeared
to the disciples and said, Peace be with
you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending
you (John 20:21 NIV).
Just moments before, they could see no
reason for their pain. But here was Jesus, telling
them that God was giving them a new assignment
that was part of a grand purpose.
Gods purpose for your life is always
greater than your problems. Trust him. He loves to
turn crucifixions into resurrections. He
specializes in hopeless situations. [Daily Devotional by
Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
CLOSING THOUGHT
Paul said in II Corinthians 4:16-18,
We do not lose heart for our light and
momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal
glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our
eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen. Hear what Paul called light and
momentary - not what Id have called them, and I
think youll agree. Imprisoned. Beaten. Stoned.
Shipwrecked three times. In constant danger. Hungry and
thirsty. Light and momentary troubles? How could Paul
describe endless trials with that phrase? He tells
us. He could see an eternal glory that far
out-weighs them all.
And you - you want to go on, but some
days the road seems so long. Let me encourage you
with this: God never said the journey would be
easy, but he did say that the arrival would be
worth it! [Max Lucado Daily Devotional at
maxlucado.com]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: And it Came to
Pass
https://marklile.com/and-it-came-to-pass/
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: Why We Don't Give Up:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190712-1039.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
