I love how a familiar passage of scripture can continue to reveal new applications of truth as we take it in from a new vantage point. Such was the case yesterday as I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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.”
In the past as I have read this and missed the present benefits to our “light and momentary troubles”. But, Paul clearly rights that they “are achieving” not that they “will in the future achieve”, but that they are providing both a present and an eternal glory.
Though no one relishes hardship, it is in the struggle so many lessons are learned: perseverance; trust; assurance; and many others, all pointing us to the faithfulness of God.
How many times have we said, “I wouldn’t want to go through that again, but I am thankful for what I learned through it.” That is the daily “renewal” Paul speaks of. Each day, each circumstance, provides another opportunity to know God’s mercy and experience His redemptive work in our lives.
I am reminded of Rich Mullins’ song “Bound to Come Some Trouble” I’ve included the lyrics below.
Bound to Come Some Trouble
There’s bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain’t nothing to be afraid of
There’s bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain’t no reason to fear
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life
But reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like
You’ll find He’s there
There’s bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain’t nothing to be ashamed of
I know there’s bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain’t no reason to fear
I know there’s bound to come some tears up in your eyes
Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like
You’ll find He’s there
Now, people say maybe things will get better
People say maybe it won’t be long
And people say maybe you’ll wake up tomorrow
And it’ll all be gone
Well I only know that maybes just ain’t enough
When you need something to hold on
There’s only one thing that’s clear
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain’t nothing to be afraid of
I know there’s bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain’t no reason to fear
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life
Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like
You’ll find He’s there
Songwriter: Richard Mullins
Bound to Come Some Trouble lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
