So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:8-18
What a paradox! How can we focus our gaze on what we cannot see? Yet the Bible helps us visualize the things that are not yet. Paul focuses on the future because of the pain and suffering of the present. Most will never have to endure what Paul experienced: pressure on every side, perplexed, hunted down, knocked down, in constant danger. Yet we do suffer and struggle through this life in many ways: disappointment, sickness, loneliness, financial distress. These are real and difficult. These try our faith. Paul gives the antidote: don’t focus on the trials and difficulties of this life. Their duration is fixed. On the other hand, the unseen benefits of the future will last forever. We can experience peace now by gazing on the one who assures us of their coming: Jesus Christ.
Personal Reflection: Be reminded of the promises of the future: a new body, no more pain, no more sorrow, a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus will be in our midst. What joy we have in thinking about these.