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.

II Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

I love the fact that Paul begins and ends the chapter with the words, we do not lose heart.

It’s so easy to lose heart, isn’t it?

Sometimes all it takes for me to become discouraged is an argument with a loved one or sore knees. How frail is my constitution. I guess that’s why I need encouragement from God’s word.

So many of us, myself included, go through life focusing on our circumstances. We are preoccupied by maintaining our health, preserving our wealth, and making ourselves comfortable.

But these verses tell us our struggles with suffering, illness, and loss are actually the instruments God uses to renew and prepare us for eternity. There is purpose and destiny in the circumstances of our lives.

Rather than focusing on the struggle, God is telling us to redirect our gaze. He says we are to fix our eyes on things with eternal value, rather than physical things.

So, what or who is unseen and eternal? God!

Does this mean God wants us to focus our attention on him?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

And in Hebrews 12:2, Paul tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith.

So my friends, don’t lose heart. Let’s fix our eyes on God in the person of Jesus Christ. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.