Devotion: 2 Corinthians 4:17 

2 Corinthians 4:17  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

Paul’s writings often outlined the woes he faced for his faith in Christ yet he remained full of hope despite those troubles. He had a mindset that was not focused on earthly things, but was eternity focused. He is an amazing example of how we should respond to trying times and a powerful reminder that we do have something greater to hope for and should focus on that.

In reading other’s views on this verse it was interesting how many chose to point out the literal translation of the words. But it makes understanding much clearer by doing so. “Light and momentary troubles” is “momentary lightness of affliction” and “eternal glory” becomes “eternal weight of glory.” Affliction is a much more powerful term than troubles, is it not? And the addition of weight helps to add emphasis to our eternal glory.

We see Paul’s afflictions described in his written works, but we also see his hope in the eternal. He is a reminder that pain, troubles, and afflictions are temporary.  Because they are temporary, we can have hope in eternal glory. And this is not the only time he contrasts these concepts. He also spoke of suffering compared to glory in Romans 8:18. He wrote of suffering producing endurance which produces character which produces hope (Romans 5:3-4).

While it is easy to read these verses and understand them, it is hard to apply them in our own lives. Suffering hurts. Pain is not pleasant. Affliction can be all too real and can feel heavy and burdensome. Seeing Paul point out the temporary nature of it, or that these woes are lightweight, can be a hard pill to swallow. But remember – they are indeed temporary when compared with eternity of glory. Let that be where your hope lies.

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