Finding Strength in Times of Adversity: Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

2 Corinthians 4:15-18: “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 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.”

Are things around us going wrong? Do we get weaker and older?

Yes, to all above. How can we be encouraged, then?

Those weaknesses and frailties are only temporary. There’s a whole new side we can’t physically see. Through the trials and temptations that we go through and pass here on earth, we’re being built up Spiritually for the life ahead that we will have in Heaven, if we’re truly God’s child.

What we see now will be wiped away, but the eternal Kingdom is forever.

Indeed, the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 offers encouragement and perspective in the midst of challenges and the passing nature of our physical existence. Let's explore these ideas:
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1. Recognizing the purpose of trials - According to the passage, trials are for our sakes. This is so that, when we’re brought out of the trials, we give thanksgiving to God. And, for that reason, we shouldn’t lose hope.
2. Renewal from within - The renewal, which doesn’t come from us, comes from God. God is renewing us daily.
3. The eternal weight of glory - In comparison to our sufferings here on earth, God’s glory will be with us forever.
4. Shifting our focus - It’s easy to look on the physical side of life and lose focus of the Kingdom.
5. Anticipation of the eternal Kingdom - As Christians, while on earth, we are to wait for Jesus to return. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

In conclusion, the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 reminds us that even when things around us may be going wrong and we experience the effects of aging and weakness, we can find encouragement in the eternal perspective provided by our faith. These temporary challenges serve a purpose in our spiritual growth and transformation. We are being built up for the future life we will have in the eternal Kingdom of God.