Devotionals

In the Light of Eternity

by Cheryl Weber
03/14/20
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I have struggled with fear and anxiety for most of my life. And the things to fear don’t lessen as I grow older. One thing I dread most is the loss of loved ones as well as the trials of my own approaching old age; sometimes I long for the past and relive precious memories. Our personal struggles, combined with all the suffering, evil, and sorrow in the world, can sorely test our faith.

2 Corinthians 4:18 says to not, “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.” In Romans 8:18, the apostle Paul says, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” (NLT).

Many of Paul’s readers were suffering intense persecution. Yet he encouraged them to look at their temporary troubles in the light of eternity where the incomprehensibly vast glories of heaven and a mounting reward for their faithfulness awaited them. He did not downplay their pain but gave them a new perspective that helped them endure with courage and joy.

Our own afflictions may seem endless, but God’s ears are open to our cries and he is working on our behalf. Let’s take our eyes off our troubles and focus on God’s faithfulness, love, and power and remember the unseen glories of eternity. We can then find strength to endure joyfully as we await our own rich reward.

And those precious memories I wish I could relive? They are nothing compared to the new ones I will make, reunited with my believing loved ones, in an eternal home free from all pain, death, tears, or evil.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that the everlasting joy and glory awaiting me in heaven far surpass even earth’s greatest pain.  Amen.