16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 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 4:16-18 (NIV)
Paul refuses to let persecution and suffering for his faith make him lose heart, for his eyes were fixed on the great hope of Jesus Christ. Temporary suffering will pass, leading us to eternal glory – a glory, much greater than our current difficulties.
How do we go forward through times of trouble and not lose heart? By fixing our eyes on future glory, keeping our gaze fixed on what is unseen, the glory of the spiritual world, which is eternal and will never end. By going forward in faith.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Having faith in the fulfillment of God’s promise that there is life beyond the grave. Focusing on what is unseen yet eternal – heaven’s glory.
16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
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Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for loving us and sending your Son to save us from our sins. Teach us not to lose heart during times of suffering and trouble. Help us grow in faith and not give up but instead fix our eyes on what is unseen but eternal. As the three vinca blossoms are gathered together, let us gather in faith, with thanksgiving for our triune God. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen
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Garden Faith 
Amen. This world is temporary. It’s the eternal things that matter most. 💕
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Yes, by having faith in God’s promises and fixing our eyes on what is eternal rather than our temporary problems. It’s good to hear from you Dawn! 💗🍂🌺
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I need this reminder today. Thanks for posting.
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It’s a great reminder for all of us! 💐🌟🌺
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Amen. May we focus on God so that our hope remains firm and remember that this world and what we see now is not forever. But our life with the Lord is.
Blessings Jeanne 💙
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Hi, Manu! I agree we need to fix our eyes on the eternal, knowing that this world and our problems are temporary. We live by faith, not by sight. Peace and Blessings! 💗🌟💐
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