For consideration as you read:
Paul, who wrote a large majority of the New Testament, surely had suffering in his life. And this suffering was not easy for him. From beatings, to stonings, to shipwrecks, and imprisonment, Paul must have gotten a short straw of suffering. In chapter 1 of this letter, Paul described a recent incident that left him and his friends "so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself" (2 Corinthians 1:8). Paul surely could have turned inward in bitterness, using his pain as a platform to claim that God had abandoned him. However, today’s reading in 2 Corinthians reveals a mindset Paul held dear.
Paul believed the very worst suffering experienced on earth are only "light and momentary troubles" when compared with the glory of the eternity with God that is to come. He chose to testify to God’s sustaining power, and he knew that any suffering in this life is far outweighed by the glory of the life to come.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Grab your Bible, a journal, and a pen to reflect on what God is teaching you through this section of scripture. Here is the format that we will follow:
Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.
Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?
Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?
Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?
Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.
