Teachable Moments: Eternal Hope

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 

Photo Credit Hillary

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

 Even in the midst of the darkest circumstances God is good. That is exactly what this passage tells us. And I love how that last part brings the point home...

"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. 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."

I have learned that even in my darkest places God's hope is there shining through, providing light, guidance, and encouragement that this is NOT the end. There IS more in store for us than whatever we have or encounter in this place. God provides us eternal hope, a promise of much greater things to come. A great promise to wipe away all our tears, all the bad things we experience here will not be remembered, and that is a hope worth waiting for. 

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Revelation 21:3-5

What verse do you love most in 2 Corinthians 4? I'd love to know! 

I think this passage has SO many good things to say. I'd challenge you to memorize whatever verse speaks most to your heart today. Memorizing scripture is such a great way to hide God's word in our hearts and help us through difficult moments.