Where are You Looking

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken.”With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Observation

Life can throw up so many issues; it can feel like we are swamped. There are times when we see no end and really have no idea what is going on. Paul I think feels like this “...though outwardly we are wasting away...” However, for Paul it is perspective that keeps him going. Paul understands that what he endured was just a moment in time and that one day he would resurrected himself stand with the resurrected Christ. This perspective enabled him to keep his spirits up and keep presenting the gospel. HE raised his sight to look upon what is not seen rather than the struggles that can be seen. How we too need to keep our vision on what is to come, that which cannot be seen.

Application

Take the time to imagine standing with Christ, resurrected and now before the creator God in worship. This is to come for those who are in Christ.

Prayer

God of heaven, as we struggle with the issues of this life, may we focus on that which is not seen, may we realise that this life is merely a moment in time and that one day we will stand with Christ before you.