Scripture:
II Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV
[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, [18] while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Observation:
The letter to the church located in Corinth was written by Paul. The particular church had a lot that Paul had to get back in line with what it looked like to walk with Jesus. That being said, there is a lot of good information in these two letters for us today. Some of this is right here in 2nd Corinthians chapter 4. It seems as though some of the congregation was getting discouraged or losing heart. Things were happening in their lives or around them that made it hard to hold on to their faith. Maybe their old behavior kept on creeping back in, or maybe it was the stuff going on around them either way Paul wanted them to know it was only temporary. Although their flesh may fail, that did not stop the sanctification process. Their inward man was being renewed. The things that were happening now were for a season or a moment, and it would change. They may be suffering afflictions but just hold on… because what it looks like is not what it is. What Paul is telling the Corinthians is to keep their focus on Jesus Christ and not on what was going on around them. He was explaining to them that this world is temporary and life is full of seasons. Keeping their eyes on Christ is the key.
Application:
When I got to reading this, my thoughts were somewhat scattered as they honestly still are. Just to be honest, I have a lot going on in life as we all do… and if we think about it, all those things can distract us from what really matters. I can’t begin to express how important it is to always keep your focus on the right things. What it looks like is not always what it is. The enemy is very crafty, and his tactics have not changed. He wants you to take your eyes off of what GOD has planned and pay attention to his lies… and honestly, that’s your choice to do so… and I can’t say that in the past, that tactic didn’t work. Because there have been times in my life when I have done just that. Taken my eyes off Christ and focused on the problem. But I have to tell you that whatever you focus on will grow. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6. Faith is the key. When we get stuck in the circumstances in our lives, we forget the one who is able to make a way where we see no way. The enemy likes to throw what looks like roadblocks in our path. GOD wants us to see them as hurdles and keep on trucking. Tripping us up is the enemy’s game… but GOD has the promises land in mind. We are either going to look at what the enemy is trying to do or we are going to focus on where GOD is taking us. It’s our choice. Let me say that again… it’s our choice. We get to make the decision on whether we go where GOD wants us or let the people in the land intimidate us. This brings me to the armor that is provided to us by GOD. It’s no mistake that the very first peace is a belt and not just any belt… the truth holds all this together. We have to know it or our circumstances will baffle us. I have said it before and I will say it again. The art of war is knowing your enemy. Seeing him for who he is. He does not want you to realize who you are in Christ. His job is to throw all this stuff in your path to make the goal look unobtainable. But it’s not. Did GOD say you could???? Then what exactly are you waiting for. Your temporary circumstances are a stepping stone not a stopping point. We have to push past what it looks like to what GOD told us it is. Do you believe GOD or not. Just because there are giants in the land doesn’t change the fact that HE gave it to you. But if you surrender to what it looks like you will never obtain what it actually is. I want us to never forget that the enemy is crafty. He wants us to give up. He wants us to say it’s impossible… and for us it just may be. But for GOD all things are possible. You are not defined by your circumstances. You are defined by GOD. You are who HE says you are. But you will have to stay focused on that. Your faith can move mountains and slay giants but if you never pick up the 5 smooth stones you will never experience all that GOD has for you. Stop believing the lie and focus on the truth in GOD’S word. Speak it out loud over the situation you face and watch HIM show up.
Prayer:
Father, we are here this morning standing on your word. We are not going to settle for anything less than what you said we could have. We believe that we are doing our part to stand in faith. We have not given up. We are pushing past what it looks like to what you said it is. You have given us a faith that has grown into a mustard tree. Oh it may have started with a seed but we have planted it and we expect a harvest. We know that as we have stood and continue to stand on your word that you will show up. You said you were taking us to a land flowing with milk and honey… well we are not stopping until we get there. Help us to keep our focus on you and see the enemy for who he is. A weak and defeated liar who has no authority. Help us to see ourselves as the mighty warriors you have placed in your army to overcome and stand in victory that has already been won in the mighty name of Jesus. Today we stand on your truth. You said it we believe it and that settles it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.