“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.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
Sometimes, life throws us into a difficult season that feels like there’s no end in sight, or at least no good end. So we hope and pray the adage, “This too shall pass,” is true.
Last year, I had a toxic job. I had been accused of doing something I hadn’t done. I had no idea how I would be able to finish the remaining six months of my teaching contract. And if somehow I could, I didn’t know where to find another job. Then, one day, while scrolling social media, I saw a post that read, ‘Your life will look completely different in 3 months.” I laughed and thought, “I wish,” because I couldn’t see a way out of my situation. But I kept praying and trusting God.
I can’t say the next few months were easy. You see, I had a car accident and landed in the hospital with a broken vertebra. Initially, I could only take a few steps with the assistance of a walker. Next, I endured a long healing period in a brace with no lifting, bending, or twisting. However, I never recovered the ability to stand for extended periods of time, so I took an early retirement from teaching. Thus, three months later, my life did look very different. I now have a part-time job I love, teaching students with special needs. And I can spend the rest of my time with my new grandson or writing. My new life is such a blessing!
Growing up, my Granny always said, “This too shall pass.” This phrase reminds us that life is constantly changing and situations are impermanent. This is true, but as Christians, we are assured our troubles will not only pass, but God will help us as we walk through them.
“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” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NIV).
So, how do we “fix our eyes on what is unseen”?
- We can fix our eyes on Jesus rather than our difficulties.
The Bible reminds us that life is like a race. We win by focusing on Jesus. Even Jesus endured hard times. But He overcame for us. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV).
We can learn a great lesson from Peter. With Jesus’ encouragement, he walked on water. But he sank the second he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm around him (Matthew 14:28-33). So, we can fix our eyes on Jesus rather than our difficulties, and He will give us peace. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV).
- We can fix our thoughts on the Word of God.
Meditating on the Bible can transform the way you think and feel. It is full of hope, encouragement, and promises. It can guide us and sustain us through anything.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8, NIV).
Dear Heavenly Father, Help me remember this life and all its circumstances are only temporary. So, when I encounter difficult seasons, help me remember to say, “This too shall pass,” and fix my eyes on You and Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
