What Are You Looking At?

(2 Cor 4:17, 18 NLT) For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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.

This morning we by continuing to walk through the fourth chapter of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. Paul has already explained that, in his estimation, the troubles he faced were both temporary and light. However, when we think of some of the harrowing things he endured for the cause of Christ many modern-day believers would be hard-pressed to call them “light.” While the “light” comment is one of opinion the “temporary” comment is more factual matter. The two are related and I will explain how. Twice in this passage Paul uses the words “will last forever” in referring to our impending eternal glory. Paul juxtaposes (to place close together or side by side) the awesomeness of the glory –

I have already explained how the Greek language he used literally reads eminent unto eminence; excess unto excess; hyperbole unto hyperbole – against whatever level of pain we experience as we face challenges on the road to God’s expected end for our lives. His aim is to make the suffering pale in comparison with the glory. Further, not only does he juxtapose the level of difficulty with the glory, but he also does the same for the duration of the matter. So while we do face challenges down here, whatever we do face for minutes, hours, days, months or even years, is nothing to be compared with the eternity we will spend with the Father. After laying this out, Paul says:

So we don't look at the troubles we can see now: Paul had a choice and so do we. In many ways your attitude will determine your altitude; your perspective will have a direct impact on your progression (or lack thereof).

Paul could have easily focused his time, energy and effort on mulling over all the negative things that he faced on the road to his destiny. However, he simply chose not focus his energies there. Like Abraham, Paul staggered not, because he considered not (See Romans 4:17-21). If you spend your time considering the wrong things, you will become the wrong person. Why focus on something that is only temporary? This too shall pass.

Rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen: Paul chose to focus his attention on the things that you cannot see with your natural eyes. This gave Paul Godly vision. Vision is more insight than sight. Paul kept his Godly vision before him and it became the wind beneath his wings. Even while he was facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, Paul was able to persevere, overcome, and triumph, because he had the ability to see beyond where his eyes could look. Do you? Do you have a Godly vision? If so, is that vision the “aim point” of your life? If it is you too will be able to overcome every challenge and hindrance on the road to your destiny.

Now, getting back to my previous point. Paul was able to call the challenges he faced “light” because he was not focusing on them. He was so focused on the eternal that whatever temporary challenges he faced were “light” in his eyes. Had Paul put more attention on his troubles he probably would not have accomplished all that he did for the Kingdom of God.
So what does this mean to you? It means that you have a choice. You can either focus your attention on the negative and temporary challenges you are facing, or you can focus it on the God-given vision the Father has placed in you that will culminate with an eternal glory.

Make no mistake, whatever you chose to give your attention to WILL affect your quality-of-life!

Father, I thank You for this revelation. I now better understand the importance of my thought life. I take control of every thought and bring them into the obedience of Christ. I focus on the eternal and not the temporary. You impart into me vision, insight, revelation and understanding and I allow that vision to be the aim-point of my life. I know where I am going and I will not allow anything to stop me. With You in me and with me, I cannot lose. My perspective, from this day forward, will fuel my progression and I will never be the same! In Jesus’ name. Amen!