“For our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us a glory that will far outweigh them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17
The scripture for the week at Camp Grace in eastern Wyoming was from 2 Corinthians and all about facing trouble and distress. As we discussed the text, it reminded me of all the InFaith missionaries and pastors from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church who openly discuss their discouragement in ministry. Covid and our political climate have worked together to create a tension in our churches and mission points that is unique in our lifetimes. For many in the Lord’s service they feel they can echo the words of the Apostle who declared, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Cor. 1:8). But if we continue in 2 Corinthians 1, we hear from Paul in verses 9 and following, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…”
Trouble in our lives helps conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), it helps drive us to put our trust in the Lord more fully (2 Cor. 1:9) and it helps us to help other people (2 Cor.1:3-7).
Despite all of our afflictions, we can affirm with confidence what scriptures teaches in 2 Cor. 12:9 where the Lord declares, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
If you’re struggling today with discouragement, turn to the Word, remember God’s faithfulness to you in the past, and have courage relying on his faithfulness for the future.