Look at the positive side
By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - NIV
Paul is describing situations they were undergoing as they preached the gospel. They bordered on life and death, and yet he is so positive and upbeat about it all. Physically, they were really suffering, beaten and tortured, their bodies wasting away. This was very distressing. But he chose to look beyond the physical sufferings to what this was achieving in his inner man and the great glory ahead.
This attitude was evident in all his writings. If we only look at the pains, challenges and all the negatives in life, it is a guarantee that we will remained stressed all our lives. Rather focus on the good that will come our of those challenges. Tell yourself that it will be well, you will get over it, this too will come to pass. There are far better things that will come out of these trials.
Jesus looked beyond the excruciating pain of the cross to the joy that lay ahead. That made Him endure the cross and all the bitter suffering he went through. The cross and the present trials are not the end. There is victory, joy, and a crown ahead. Such an attitude will make you fight on, press on to the end against all the odds without losing heart. All who circum to stress only focus on the problem at hand.
Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Hebrews 12:2-3 "…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Shalom children of God.