September 16^th

See 

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV)  

¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  

Paul and his companions are suffering. As they proclaim the gospel in their culture, they are crushed…perplexed…persecuted…struck down…given over to death (2 Cor. 4:8-12). It is a reminder that following Jesus is not for the faint of heart.  

It makes Paul’s words at the beginning of verse 16 all the more arresting, “So we do not lose heart…” The “afflictions” served not to discourage them, but rather, to sharpen their vision, to help them see more clearly. 

Following Jesus on the Journey of Generosity requires paying attention to what we are looking at. More specifically, it means seeing the unseen. What does that mean? We get a clue in verse 14… 

“Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” 

Seeing the unseen means looking beyond the travails and trials of this world and never losing sight of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It means trusting that the gospel is at work in our hearts, transforming us into the image of Jesus even as our physical bodies are taking a beating in this life. 

It means remaining confident that God is in control and at work to bring us home. And nothing in this life will keep Him from doing just that. The presence of Jesus right now, and in our future forever is never at risk. 

It means always bringing to mind the words and promises of Jesus. To count them as true and trustworthy – this is seeing the unseen. This is eternal. This is what matters most. 

Let’s try this application together… 

Life will throw you some curves today. Life will be difficult. Throughout this day, whisper to yourself, “Jesus, this problem, this challenge, this hard place is wearing me down. But what I know is true is that this problem, this challenge, this hard place will not last – and you will bring me home, and home with you is forever.”