Light Afflictions
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
Today’s Morsel: What are afflictions? Afflictions can be physical, emotional, or spiritual trials, hardships, or persecutions, that we as believers may face. Scriptures tells us, “Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 1:11-12) We see that Pharaoh afflicted them, and yet even through those afflictions they multiplied and grew. David states: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19) David showed us that God will deliver the righteous out of their afflictions. Paul calls them light afflictions. Light afflictions have a purpose. And what is that purpose? He said, they worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He said that God’s presence is waiting on us. So don’t lose heart when they come. Jesus said: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) Jesus is with you in all situations in your life, you trust Him to see you through.
Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart if filled with praise. Jesus breaks the bands as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.
Thought For Today: Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4: 16)
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