“Therefore, we do not lose heart…. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Often, we want the fun experience without all the difficulties. People love the idea of sleeping under the stars alongside their best friends and getting an Instagram-worthy picture on top of a mountain. But they’d rather skip the arduous climbs, the pouring rain, the annoying insects, and the campfire meals that don’t turn out well. This wasn’t what they pictured when they envisioned their outdoor adventure!

Our lives as Christ followers may not be what we first envisioned either. We may even experience more suffering and hardship than those who choose to not obey Him. But we must realize that Jesus never promised an easy journey. Rather, we hold to the fact that the Lord loves us deeply, and His compassions never fail. His faithfulness is new to us with each rising sun. He will give us what we need daily, no matter the difficulty.

Not only does Jesus give help in the present, but also He is our hope for the future. And that makes everything in this world, including our current trials, seem small by comparison.

Insight: Lord, give us an eternal perspective for the current challenges we face. We know You waste nothing and can redeem anything. Amen