Momentary Troubles

Everyone experiences troubles. How one deals with those troubles can define a person. Do we crumble or do look for solutions? Do we try to pull ourselves up or do we lean on God? I was reminded of a trip to Colorado with some youth about 7 years ago. There was a trail that led to an overlook called Bible Point. Every time I went out there, I always made it to the top one or two times to enjoy the amazing view and to spend some time with the Lord in prayer as I gazed at the majestic beauty that surrounded me. I was a little out of shape and with the thin air, everyone got tired more quickly. I was struggling but determined to make it to the top of the mountain. On the way up, I ran into a woman that had wanted to make it to the top, but she was so tired and was ready to give up. I told her that I had been up there before and that it was well worth the effort. With some encouragement, she set her focus on the final destination and worked her way to the top. She made it there before I did, but we both made it there. That evening, after the worship time, she came up to me and thanked me for my encouragement and indicated how much she was blessed by making it there. Even though I was struggling, didn’t mean I couldn’t help someone else in their journey. The truth is that we both made it because we kept our eyes focused on the end goal. In 2 Corinthians 4 we read, “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. 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.” My experience was just a hike and a view, but in life we also face struggles and obstacles. We can get so wrapped up in our own trials that we don’t noticed others along the way. We don’t have to wait until we overcome before we aid others. Sometimes it is in helping each other that we find added hope. Instead of dwelling on the troubles, we must focus instead on the One who can lead us through the trials. We are ultimately not struggling for earthly gain but rather are longing for what is eternal. Father, it is so easy to keep our eyes on the world in the good and the bad times, but the world can’t save us. Help us, dear Father. Amen