20th April 2024

Our momentary troubles

Sometimes a phrase sticks in your head for years and every now and then, it pops to the surface, often when you need it. One such phrase from a sermon I heard when I was in college has been on my mind lately. I suppose it’s because I’ve lost several friends over the last year and I’m missing them. 

I don’t remember the subject exactly, but the pastor said to hang our troubles against the backdrop of eternity. I’m sure the accompanying verses were 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV): ‘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.’ 

In my imagination, I picture a dark sky, glittering with stars, stretching out forever in all directions and all of human history flashing by like a meteor. The backdrop of eternity – It makes everything seem small and insignificant in comparison – or at least less traumatic. Hanging everything against the backdrop of eternity and keeping an eye on the unseen can help us maintain an eternal perspective, as well as endure our momentary troubles. 

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 19 March 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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