For a moment

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  - 2 Corinthians 4.17-18

Our light affliction?

Wait a second, are you kidding? Our 'light affliction?' There are times when the struggles we face seem like everything but light. Financial problems, illnesses, family problems, broken economies, loss of job, accidents, deaths, and so on are all part of what Paul calls 'light afflictions' here. 

But think about it. Paul knew what trouble was like. He had been arrested, beaten, and left for dead. The had been shipwrecked. His life was under threat. The had been stoned. He, if anyone, knew what affliction was. 

And yet he calls it light affliction. 

How can he call it light? 

Because Paul has the right focus. 

These light afflictions are only going to last a moment compared to eternity

The afflictions of today are nothing compared to the glory we are going to see one day

The stuff we see around us today is temporary

The glories we can't see today are for eternity

The problem is that we get too short sighted. We don't look way down the road. All we look at are our immediate surroundings and that gets us into big trouble. We get so consumed in the here and now that we forget what God has promised for us in the there and then. 

When things get really tough is when it is important to look at the unseen blessings of eternity. Sure, we have to endure for a while. But it is only for a moment. 

Let's just keep on keeping on. It will be worth it all one day.