For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV
Paul and his partners chose not to focus on the here and now. They were being beaten, imprisoned, threatened with death, but it was worth it when they saw people come to Christ. When they saw the light of eternity enter their eyes. They chose not to focus on the affliction or the difficulty in their work. The seen. That which was always at the forefront of their minds. They chose to focus on the unseen. The moment when they, and all they reached, would finally be together at last in eternal peace with Christ.
As we continue through this rough season, let's not focus on what's in front of us. The restrictions, fear, job loss, uncertainty. Let's focus on the eternal. How can we share Christ in our altered daily lives? What kinds of posts would inspire hope on social media? Who/what can we pray for if we have found ourselves with down time. And when hopelessness overwhelms again, let's close our eyes and imagine what happens when this temporary affliction is over. See yourself with Christ, and all those you dared to reach, in that eternal peace.
Its shocking that Paul called it a "light momentary affliction." If the trial is so bad, imagine how good God is to make that "bad" "light and momentary." I know it is hard to maintain that perspective sometimes. If you find yourself struggling, feel free to reach out to us for prayer in the comments.