2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

I have no idea how many times I’ve quoted this verse! Along with John 16:33 it has given me an immense tolerance for “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” as Shakespeare put it. Few things are as destructive of peace and joy as a pity party, and for the Christian, few things are as stupid and unnecessary. There are things in life that are genuinely hard to take, involving great pain either physically or emotionally, but as Jesus and Paul knew, even those things will fade into total insignificance when we are before our Lord in glory. The devil does all he can to keep us from that perspective, but he’s a liar from start to finish. This is the “hope of glory” that is referred to in several places in the Bible, and as Peter pointed out it can be very attractive to those who don’t have it. (1 Peter 3:15) In fact, it is one of the very best tools for evangelism. Even Christians can get caught up in the deterministic, materialistic world view that the world and the devil promote, and we lose out on a great deal when we let that happen. We need to remember that no matter how dark things seem to be around us in the moment, there’s glory ahead! And being able to invite others to share in that glory is one of the greatest privileges given to us.

I don’t think I’m particularly gifted as an evangelist, but the Lord has certainly turned me into an optimist! At the same time, I’m as human as anyone else. I recently realized that I’m getting short tempered because of diminishing abilities as I age. That has produced outbursts that have benefited no one. I need to apply the truth of this verse even to aging! That is easier said than done, but again as Paul said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) As I was reminding another missionary just yesterday, God never asks us to do anything without enabling us to do it, supplying everything necessary. That applies to physical and material resources, and it also applies to emotional and spiritual resources. God is indeed our Supply, our Yahweh Yireh, whatever the need might be. I need to rest, relax, and rejoice in that assurance, just as He has told me to do, even in areas, such as aging, in which I hadn’t realized my need before.

Father, thank You for this reminder, for this growing revelation. Help me be fully open and obedient to You so that all You want to pour into and through me may flow unhindered, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!