Light and Momentary Affliction/Eternal Glory

I have a topic that I want to share that has been coming to me over the last few days. It has to do with light and momentary affliction and eternal glory. Sounds kind of ominous doesn't it? How did these two topics even end up together? Let's get into it.

So, the reason that I wanted to touch on this topic is because I’ve been going through some things in my own life that caused me to examine the "why's" of it all. As with most difficult times it can seem daunting to find the good in it all. I had remembered that there was a scripture somewhere in the Bible that talked about a light or momentary affliction or something like it so I looked it up. This is what I found.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17 BSB it says, “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.”

I had to look up the definition of affliction even though I knew what it meant. It means something that causes pain or suffering. Ugghhh...okay, that doesn't sound very fun does it? Hey, I didn't sign up for this package! Can I return the light and momentary affliction package for the blessed and highly favored package?

So, how does a momentary affliction aka pain and suffering produce an eternal glory? What does this mean? What is a momentary affliction? It is just that. God's timing looks different than ours.

Let's be honest, some afflictions feel like they're way more than momentary. It can feel like a long winter. Some might enjoy the cold but others may prefer the warmth of spring and summer. I know I do. However, each season just as in the natural world has its purpose. Our spiritual seasons are similar. They may not feel needful but there is a purpose. Eventually the sun will shine again.

I had to go and search the scriptures some more. I found in Romans 5:1-3 TPT, it says "Our faith in Jesus, transfers God's righteousness to us, and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the anointed one, has done for us. Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that has given us a perfect relationship with God. What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God's glory! But that's not all! Even in times of trouble, we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to Hope."

I know this was a long portion of scripture but it's so good. After reading Romans it began to come together. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. The pressures help refine our character which comes through our reliance on God in those moments. I really like the joyful confidence part too. It inspires me to look through a different lens. So many great promises are in the word of God.

Another scripture I would like to share is found in 2 Corinthians 4:18. It says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

‭‭What is the seen? To me that can be interpreted as the circumstances, the losses and hurt we go through. That could mean focusing on the negative in situations. It may be hard to see it as temporary but it is. The pressures are developing patient endurance. Patience is not an easy lesson but it’s a valuable one that teaches us so much.

Fixing our eyes on the unseen speaks to the eternal promises. It is the reason why we follow after God or choose to give our life to Him. Its the promise of the eternal glory we are striving for. This life has its trouble, but it's good to be reminded of the unseen and eternal glory we are promised if we choose it.

I thought of myself in different moments when I was going through the light and momentary affliction package that I didn't sign up for. Haha...it was hard to see any good in the situation. Each time I had the choice to pray and speak life over the difficult moments. Or, I could speak words of discouragement or hopelessness over myself. Each choice taught me a lesson. No matter what I chose God was still there through it all. Patiently waiting to help guide me or waiting for me to surrender when I got tired of doing it my own way.

I was taught early on to pray over everything, no matter how big or small. It’s something my mom and dad instilled in my life. I haven't always gotten that part right but God has a way to bring us back when we need reminded. Thankfully, I've also had a few people to help keep me accountable along my journey. They have prayed for me and reminded me of how powerful my own prayers could be in the moments of pressure. It’s great to know how to pray and breakthrough on our own but I love when God provides someone to encourage, pray and speak into my life.

Prayer has always made the difference for me. Finding peace in the midst of the storm is much better than being in the storm with no hope or up the creek without a paddle! Jesus is the best in the middle of a storm. I heard He even walked on water. Which is great because I’m not the strongest swimmer! I’m grateful He’s a superb lifeguard with an excellent rescue record.

Our response to the light and momentary affliction determines how we walk it out. We have a choice. How we pray, what we say and how we respond matters. How we maneuver through the tests and the trials of life help prepare us for the eternal glory. Until then, we can have peace in this life too. It's not just for our eternal future.

Wherever you find yourself, know this. Tests don't last always. There is an end to the light and momentary afflictions of life. Learn what you need to even in the hard times. It will prepare you for the next test. Seek the strength of God and He will help you find the patient endurance to refine your character, and lead you back to hope. Blessings on the journey.