Have you ever just had a rough week and you've gotten trapped in emotions that you just couldn't shake and it was making you feel crummy? I had one of those weeks recently and I just couldn't snap myself out of it. I was letting fear and worthlessness and anger and bitterness in my life steal my joy. So, I talked to one of my favorite Pastors and do you know what he said? He said, (I'm paraphrasing here), what will all this matter when you're standing in Heaven in front of the Father? And right there in that moment, my perspective changed. He was right! None of that will matter when I'm standing in front of my God.
"For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
As I read what Paul wrote above, I long for Jesus' return. But until that day comes, I will rest in knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for me and that I have the gift of the Holy Spirit. I will see Jesus face to face one day and what a glorious day that will be. And not just a day, but an eternity where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
My prayer for all of us is that we live each moment with the grace and fruit that God has provided us and we not waste another moment on negative emotions. I pray we walk through all of our momentary afflictions remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us and because of His sacrifice, we can now rejoice in the promise that God will make everything new in His perfect timing. I can't wait!
FROM THE STAFF—Lee Nourse