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, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18
The Bigger Picture
In 1997, Michael Jordan played in the NBA Finals with the flu. Feverish, exhausted, and barely able to stand, he still scored 38 points and carried the Chicago Bulls to victory. Why push through so much pain? Because the goal — a championship — was bigger than the discomfort in the moment.
Paul gives us a similar perspective for life. He says our troubles are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory God has prepared for us. In other words, the pain of today is nothing compared to the joy of what’s ahead.
Fixing Our Eyes on What Lasts
It’s easy to focus only on what we can see — school stress, athletic pressure, relationship struggles, or disappointment. But Paul calls us to look beyond the temporary. What we see now won’t last forever, but God’s promises will.
When we fix our eyes on what is unseen — eternity with Christ — we find courage, strength, and hope to endure the present.
Sports + Faith Connection
- In sports, temporary sacrifice (pain, exhaustion, discipline) leads to long-term reward (victory, growth, success).
- In faith, temporary struggles prepare us for eternal glory in Christ.
- Both require vision beyond the moment — eyes forward on the bigger goal.
Athlete Takeaway
This week, ask yourself: Am I living for what is temporary, or for what is eternal?
- Identify one “temporary” thing you’ve been focusing too much on (success, popularity, comfort).
- Replace it with an eternal focus — time with God, character growth, sharing Christ with others.
- Remember: today’s struggles are short compared to God’s forever promises.
Encouragement from Scripture
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that my struggles are not forever. Help me fix my eyes not on what is temporary but on what is eternal. Give me hope, endurance, and joy as I live with eternity in mind. Amen.
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