“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NKJV)
What can I say? My mind works in the quirkiest of ways, always relating the occurrences in my life to what I am reading. Always and I do apologize. I had my annual eye check up on Friday. My eyes are “failing” meaning my prescription was made slightly stronger. One eye also seems to have the beginnings of a cataract {{Ugh!}}.
And then I read these verses which strikes me so funny as it pertains to what is “seen”. Here is what I am understanding this morning:
- Correct vision will yield endurance in our lives. Looking at the present can often cause us to give up or become hopeless. We need to think of the long haul, looking to that which may yet be ahead in our lives.
- The believer is guided not only by what we behold but by what we know to be true even though it is invisible. In only looking at the immediate, we forget that it is subject to change. Our present moments are just that, present. These moments will not last forever.
- Do. The. Hard. Thing! No matter our struggles here and now, they are but light and momentary when we see them in view of eternity. Much of the significance of our lives will only be fully known in eternity. This can be so hard to remember as the world tells us to be successful, to make a name or a platform for ourselves, get more followers, and have more friends.
- There is more than what meets the eye. We must see with the eyes of our hearts –
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18, NIV).
May we have our vision corrected by His Word and keep our eyes on Jesus.
Today I am joining … Unite and Testimony Tuesday and True Story and Intentional Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesdays .
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I love normal everyday things that can be used with scripture to make a point learning about God’s Word! Excellent!
Thanks Debbie, as this is most often how God teaches me 🙂
Thanks Joanne. I needed to hear this tonight.
Just the sight of your name caused my eyes to tear. Jo, in these days we are living, we constantly need a vision check. I am so grateful that as we keep our eyes focused on Him, He fills us with renewed hope. Much love to you this morning!
The ordinary things in life often become the best teachers. I love your illustrations and your wise thoughts. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story. Oh don’t worry about cataracts. They do come with us all. When it is your time for surgery, you will discover new vision you thought was lost.
Hazel, I so appreciate all of your encouragement! And you are so right – my mom has had them removed from both eyes & sees better than I do! Blessings!