NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION SEEK DAILY (NBC) Friday, October 13 DO NOT LOSE HEART

RBT: Mark 1-3

Memory Verse: Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16, NIV

Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The Christian life is not a smooth ride, as some may assume, but a mixture of joy and sadness; disappointments and victories. This is because we live in a fallen world. Today's passage is an encouragement not to lose heart. In order not to lose heart and to keep an eternal focus in your Christian journey, learn to value spiritual strength over your physical challenges (v. 16). Second, understand that the purpose of present sufferings is to produce eternal realities of God's glory (v. 17). Lastly, keep your eyes on things with eternal value over the temporal (v.18). Since suffering for Christ's sake is inevitable on earth, we must learn to see the world and the challenges we face as temporary and insignificant. The unseen glory is more real and lasting than the temporal distractions the devil brings to discourage you. 

With a heavenly perspective, you learn to view earthly difficulties and pain as insignificant when compared to God's eternal glory that awaits believers. Where is your gaze lately? Are you discouraged by what you see? Cheer up and focus on things of eternal value. Allow nothing to steal your Christian joy.

Insight: We get a glorious glimpse of eternity when we look with the eyes of faith.

Prayer: Father, give me a glorious glimpse of eternity by revealing Jesus to me.