Evidence of Hope

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Just roll with me for a second here...If you have ever had to practice football twice a day in 100 degree heat, endure nine weeks of military basic training, or live with nausea for six weeks of chemotherapy, you were likely told, "Hang in there. or in my family "Buck UP!" You can do anything for a short period of time." The difference between "temporary" and "permanent" can seem like the difference between life and death.

The apostle Paul knew the difference between the two. There were many occasions in his Christian life where he felt terrible, but he never lost heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). In fact, his favorite phrase was "but not": Hard-pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (verses 8-9). Paul knew that every difficulty was temporary. Even if it lasted his whole life, he still saw it as temporary compared to the hope of eternity. If he ever lost hope, it was only for the moment. His permanent perspective was eternal hope in the goodness and purpose of God. Have you learned to separate the temporary from the permanent in your life? That distinction is evidence that hope is alive and well. Sometimes the Lord gives us these little pick me ups within His Word that was written century's ago but it applies to us today! No matter what we may face in our lives the Lord makes it very clear that He will not allow us to go through something that we can not handle. With God on your side there IS nothing you can not handle!!! In the words of Larry and Bob " God IS bigger than the boogie man!!!" Just look at the life of Paul!!! With that in mind i'll close with what I call my life verse's 

Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)