Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV)

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

When Paul was writing these words to the church at Corinth, he mentioned "light and momentary afflictions." These afflictions according to 2 Cor 4: 8-9 are: "… troubled on every side; … we are perplexed ; … Persecuted; … cast down…” To Apostle Paul these were but “light and momentary”. For the glorious expectation with the Lord far outweigh the temporary afflictions.

We may certainly be encountering trials and troubles, but it is pale in comparison to what Paul had gone through. Much much lesser than what our Lord Jesus Christ went through. It is so easy to get our eyes fixated on the problems and lose focus on God. When our attention becomes preoccupied by the stresses, we have a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

When trouble comes, do we allow our situation to fill our field of vision so that we give in to panic and fear? Or, as Paul recommends in verse 18, we can "see" with the eyes of faith the eternal things. That is, seeing Him and claiming what we know about God and His promises for us: "The Lord is my light and salvation – whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1); "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5); "Casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7).