2 Corinthians 4:17-18

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:17-18


I like this. Sometimes it feels like what we are going through, or dealing with, is insurmountable.  We can't see past the obstacles in our path to the goal, and it begins to seem hopeless.  But all of our afflictions are temporary--fleeting.  This life is just a blink.  Eternity is what we are working for, and what makes it all worth it.  We can't always see the goal, but we trust in it.  The fact that there is so much beyond our capacity to see is actually something to give us hope.  We can't see everything, but God can... and if we allow him to guide us, then we'll be on the path to all of the things that we hope for.

Ephesians 2:12-14

"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"
Ephesians 2:12-14


This struck me this morning... being without hope and being without God are essentially the same thing. God gives us laws and ordinances to teach us and help us. He does *everything* that he does for our good, for our happiness... it isn't at all about tormenting or punishing us. God makes it possible to triumph over Satan, to succeed despite the evil in the world around us... to reach our potential.  Without him, we *are* without hope... we are stuck in whatever rut our life has become bogged down in, and chained by whatever addiction we are susceptible to.  To let go of God is to let go of hope... so, let's try not to do that today. :)