But for a Moment, then Eternity

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 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.

Joy in spite of our circumstance is a difficult concept unless we truly have a light grip on this world and a tight grip on Jesus. As our small Group Bible Study concludes this series on the Christian response to “trials and tribulation” in this life, we find the reality of “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” - Matthew 6:21. God doesn't just call us to endure suffering with faith, but equips us for the challenge. In His holy Word, we find all the wisdom we need to apply daily and walk victorious through the trials of life as they come. This secular world’s happiness is based totally on that which is earthy; not eternity, nor eternal values. I heard it said that power, position, possessions, prosperity, pomp, pleasure, pride and promiscuity occupy the thoughts of the earthly-minded, but this world  is temporary; not the end. Where will we spend eternity?

Joshua 1:7-9 “Be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The Hebrew word for “prosperous” in the above passage is “לח”, “tsalach”, which in this context means “you will accomplish what God desires.” Wouldn’t you agree that the world thinks that “prosperous” means to get what we desire? In light of “everything comes from our Creator God”, this godly prosperity makes sense. The Hebrew word for “dismayed” is “ת”, “chathath”, which means “to be broken down by violence, confusion and fear; to panic or to be discouraged. There is no more security than to have our Lord God with us wherever we go (Matthew 28:20), so do not be dismayed in our walk here. The Hebrew word for “strong” is “זק”, “chazaq”, which means “to fasten, to seize, to get a grip on.” Seize, get a grip on, and fasten to your faith in Christ, our Lord. “Saving” faith is a personal trust and reliance in, and obedience to Jesus, by being alive in faithfulness. Know that the gospel truth is that our sins (not just a blemish, but the radical pollution of moral inequity and transgressions against a “just and holy” God) were transferred to Christ, and Christ’s righteousness transferred to us who believe. A this faith alone, in Christ alone as our Savior and Lord, is the instrument that links us to Jesus. The Hebrew word for “courageous” is “ץ”, “amats”, which means “to be alert physically and mentally, to not fall apart.” We are aware that the grounds of our justification and salvation are by the “perfect” works of Jesus Christ alone, who assumed the sins of the world, so we stand firm on the promises of God. We recognize and hold fast to the fact that we are “saved by grace”, in that the work that saves us is not our own.

Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Instead of focusing on our circumstances, let us turn our attention to God. Every Believer is to have an eternal perspective. The kingdom of Heaven is our future address. The child of God is a citizen of His kingdom and are Ambassadors from God's kingdom to this world. We are to take every thought captive, believe in God, and obey His Word. We praise and acknowledge who God is and what He has done for us. The Word of God is the priority in our lives. We meditate on it day and night, and are obedient to it. Because of Christ, we do not have to lose heart, no matter what trials or pain we encounter. Through God’s grace, we have everything we need to be strong and courageous, so we do not need to fear. When we draw near to God, He is always ready to welcome us with open arms. He will pour out His mercy and comfort, and gives us His enabling strength and power to walk through whatever happens in our lives.  

2 Corinthians 10:5 “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

When pain, suffering, persecution, and trial come, will we trust in ourselves and on what we can do? Or will we trust in the One who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above what we could ask or think? When we seem to have no strength of our own, that’s when we can most fully rest in the One whose strength is made perfect in our weakness. This life is but for a moment, then eternity.

In Christ, Brian