2 Corinthians 4:17-18 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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

This pair of verses seems extremely appropriate in light of the recent disaster in Northeastern Japan. We have such trouble believing that any troubles we could possibly have on this earth are “light and momentary.” (The Japanese says “our light troubles at this time,” but verse 18 is unequivocal in saying “momentary.”) Even a life-long disability, for example, is “light and momentary” when viewed on the eternal scale. That’s hard enough to grasp even intellectually, and emotionally it is absolutely huge. However, that was the secret of Paul’s happiness and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13), and it produces that result in believers today as well. This is not the same as the Buddhist teaching that, since everything is transitory, we are to empty ourselves of all desire. In Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate good is nothingness. There is no hope in that, only fatalism. There is no loving heavenly Father in Buddhism, much less a Savior who took all of our suffering on Himself and died for our sins. Christian focus on eternity is not to denigrate the present, but to say that much better awaits us. Here, Paul speaks of “weighty eternal glory,” because we really don’t have the words to express it properly. The better we grasp that, the more easily we put up with things on the way.

Not only do I need to be active in applying this in my own life, I also need to have wisdom and anointing in getting this across to the believers. I don’t have a very good batting average in this area! I have experienced active backlash at times, when I have tried to help people understand that their troubles are light and momentary, and have been accused of being uncaring and worse. However, I must not let that stop me from trying to communicate this vital principle. Leaving people to wallow in self-pity is hardly loving!

Father, I do pray for the survivors of the disaster. Most of them have no inkling of this principle, because they don’t know You at all. I pray for the people there who do know You, both survivors and those who are there to help, that they may radiate the hope, peace and joy that are in Christ alone. May those who don’t know You be bold to ask about that hope. It’s not usually polite to ask personal questions in Japan, and religious faith is considered intensely personal, but these are desperate times. May people all over the country be desperate enough to seek You and find You. May those who know You already, trust You enough to be willing to share what they know, not being silent because they aren’t trained evangelists, but allowing You to use them far beyond what any training could accomplish. May this disaster bring about a mighty harvest in Your kingdom indeed, for the salvation of this nation and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!