This light momentarily affliction… not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed

I was recently listening to the story of a lady who died at 103 years of age. She was sharp as a tack up until the last few weeks. When she was asked about the secret of her longevity, she mentioned two things. First and foremost was her intimate relationship with the Lord, but secondly it was her attitude to life which was that it doesn’t matter what happens to you, it’s how you deal with it. I think she is on to something here!

The title of this post is a combined quote from Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17. Most of us would not think that what Paul went through was light affliction, especially when you read the list of things he endured (1 Corinthians 11:22-28). But I don't think that Paul is making light of his sufferings, rather he is making a comparison. His afflictions are only light when comparison to the glory that is to be revealed. Very few of us have the glimpse of Glory that Paul had (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), but then neither have we endured his suffering, and we do have his witness!

In fact Paul tells us that eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). The words of the well known song come to mind "I can only imagine," but in fact Paul is telling us no matter how wonderful we can imagine eternity to be, our imaginations fall far, far short of the reality of it!

And there are two things here, and if we can keep them in perspective, it will surely make a huge difference, as with the little old lady, in how we our lives. The first thing is that He is working for us, through our standing up under our ups and downs, trials, difficulties and temptations, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17b)! The second thing is to realize, that though our trials might seem to be going on forever, their duration is in fact less than a single moment in our eternal existence.

Father, in the end it's all about keeping my eyes on You. Lord please keep this perspective before me so that I may run the race with perseverance and joy. In Jesus Name Amen