“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.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Warm, salty tears streamed down my face as I knelt on the floor; I buried my face in my hands and cried out in anguish to the Lord. Exhausted and weak, I felt alone and didn’t know how my family would survive another heartache.
I wonder if, like me, you’ve felt desperate and weak when faced with adversity?
Have you been consumed with worry about the financial ramifications of a sudden job loss? Have you experienced tearful, sleepless nights after the heartbreaking decision of a loved one? Has fear overwhelmed you when faced with an unknown diagnosis?
Discouragement and exhaustion from unimaginable hardships can leave us feeling alone and defeated. But today, I want you to know we aren’t alone, and it’s possible to experience strength and hope in times of suffering.
No stranger to suffering
The Bible tells us the Apostle Paul was no stranger to the sufferings and struggles of life. Paul listed his adversities in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10, where he wrote of experiencing hardships, beatings, imprisonment, riots, sleepless nights, and hunger. Though he experienced extreme trouble and despair, Paul never lost sight of the truth that his strength came from the all-surpassing power of God.
Paul remained strong and hopeful because he determined to live by faith and not by sight. He knew the hope of eternity found in Christ, who suffered and endured the Cross for each of us. Paul never lost sight of the eternal glory of Christ despite the hardships that threatened to overwhelm him.
Like Paul, we can keep our eyes focused on the hope of eternity when we fix our hearts and minds on the hope of Christ.
Fixing our hearts and minds on the hope of Christ
But how do we do this in real life?
- We start by giving our worries over to God before we step one foot out of bed and ask Him to give us the strength needed to face the day no matter what trials come our way.
- Memorizing scripture keeps our minds focused on the truth of God’s Word.
- And in the middle of the day, when we find ourselves consumed by our struggles, we take a deep breath and prayerfully hand it back to Him.
Daily, sometimes minute by minute, we release our worry, fear, and questions to the Lord.
Friend, when we determine to live by faith in unimaginable hardship, we experience the all-surpassing power of God that gives us strength and hope to meet whatever comes our way.
Dear Lord, I confess my current struggles have me exhausted and defeated. I know you are more powerful than any hardship. Today, I am determined to keep my eyes focused on Christ and live by faith and not by sight. In my moments of weakness, remind me of the truth found in Your Word. Thank you for giving me strength and hope found only in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For Deeper Study:
Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (NIV)
Where do you look for strength and hope when faced with heartache? Will you commit today to release your worry, fear, and questions to the Lord and trust Him to give you the hope of eternity found in Christ?
In His Calm,
