2 Corinthians 4:18 AMPC
[18] Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
We are human, and we have been placed in the midst of other human beings like us. As a result of sin, we are indeed weak, and we have not been able to manage the expectations of God for us by our own strength or wisdom. As you read the chapter from where the verse above is taken, this becomes very clear: it is easy to get discouraged if you do not keep reminding yourself why you are in it in the first place. There was a reason why you considered the past needed to be addressed, and you took the step of faith, surrendering your life to Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. It was quite clear that by and of myself, I would not make it, and I am fully aware now that the best of anyone is actually the breath of God in that person. Take away the breath, and it is just dust. Take away the soul, and all that is left is an empty shell of dust, which has no eternal plan or purpose.
The soul does not have phyiscal form, but it is real, and it is that which has to be encouraged to remain steadfast and strong, in the face of all that is going on. Reflect on one of the verses before the one above, which says that all the precious treasure, which comes from the light of the Gospel shining in our lives, are expressed in and through frail, human vessels of earth, so that the glory, grandeur and greatness of the power of God may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. What is that thing that I am able to produce of and by myself, if God does not help me? What good can I do by myself, if God does not flow in and through me? Interestingly, being in God does not still keep you from the reality of pressure and persecution, but there is this amazing support and encouragement we can access: we may be hedged in on every side, but we are not crushed; embarrassments come our way, and we may struggle to find a way out, but we are not driven to despair.
We are persecuted, but the presence of God does not desert us, and even if we are struck down to the ground, we are never but struck out and destroyed. These are some pretty amazing things to say, but the confidence to say these things comes from a place of faith, not just sight. We keep our eyes on that which the physical eyes may not be able to perceive or fathom, but we are sure and certain of. We endure pain, because we are sure that the purpose of God will be established in and through us. We know very clearly that all we see today are temporal; nothing the earth makes or gives you is built to last forever; if it belongs to this earth, be sure it will pass away with this earth. Hold on to that which this earth cannot take away from you, and that is the hope of eternal life with God. Hold on to that which outlives all that you see now. Am I seeing right, or do I need help to focus on what will be of eternal gain? God's time of favour is here.
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