Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 10: Eternity”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
When will it all end?
If you are or have gone through a hardship or challenge, this question will go through your mind. Suffering, hardship, trials are not our favorite times in our lives. They are hard. They try us physically. They try us emotionally and also try us spiritually.
We want them to end so we can get back to work, exercising, school, or just feeling great again.
I don’t like suffering either.
It’s hard to endure. It’s hard to be patient. It’s hard to keep the right perspective.
The reality of eternity gives us a different perspective on our trials. Consider the inspired words of the Apostle Paul:
2 Corinthians 4:16 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, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Could it be that the outward trials are God’s way to renew and refocus our inner faith? Yep.
Could it be that our outward troubles, as long as they may seem, are to remind us of heaven where glory and lack of pain and suffering are eternal? Yep.
Could it be that our troubles as big and as heavy as they seem are there to remind us that what we see and experience on this earth is to help us focus and long for what we do not see yet in eternity? Yep.
Always living in view of eternity gives us a different perspective on our trials. When we know that heaven is our home where trials and suffering and hardship will NOT exist, God can use those trials suffering and hardship to increase our longing for an eternity with him.
This may seem backwards but read that passage again.
Trials…Renew us day by day.
Trials…Achieve for us an eternal glory.
Trials…Fix our hearts on what is unseen.
When an eternal focus sets in, our troubles do seem “light and momentary.”
Apply: What challenges are you going through right now? How can this Scripture and a view of eternity help you endure the trial for your blessing?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for trials for through my suffering you focus me heavenward! AMEN.