From Trouble to Glory

Nothing is wasted with God. Though you may think your troubles are wasting time and energy, something much greater is going on. Keep Reading...

READ
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 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.

REFLECT
Traffic jams, spilled coffee, missed buses, stolen phones, relational tensions - all of these "troubles" can suck the life out of us. How quickly we lose heart when these troubles pile up. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to throw us off.

According to God's Word, our troubles are a part of living in this fallen world. Outwardly we are "wasting away." Not only are our bodies getting older, but all of creation is actually groaning under the burden of sin. Romans 8:22 The troubles around us should be expected.

But do we realize that something of beauty is going on behind the scenes? Our inner person, our spirits, can be renewed by God day by day. While our outer worlds face increasing trouble, our spirits can know a wonderful experience of God's presence. This experience of God or glory far outweighs the pain and inconvenience of our troubles.

How can we truly experience glory in the midst of trials? It all depends on what we are looking at. When we fix our eyes on God - where he is and what he's doing - we rise above the troubles. When we remember that heaven is real, we can make it through the momentary problem at work or school. If our eyes are fixed on "what is seen" - only the physical realm - then we will only experience troubles and nothing else.

RESPOND
God says that glory is waiting for us in the midst of troubles. You will experience him today if you  determine to fix your gaze on him. Ask him to speak to you. Ask him to show you what he is doing in the midst of your trouble. Choose not to live as a creature who only lives for the physical realm (eating, drinking, touching, etc.). Lead with your spirit. Fix your eyes on "the unseen." Glory is waiting for you.