Then the devotional contact today. Today' s Bible reading begins in the second
verse of Corinth, chapter four. Therefore, we do not faint before,
although this, our outside man, is wearing out. The interior, however,
is renewed from day to day, because this slight momentary tribulation produces in
us an ever more excellent and eternal weight of glory, not looking at the
things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For
the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen
are eternal. Yesterday we learned that breaking is a tool that the Lord uses
to mold us in his likeness. His followers want this result, but the
process is painful. That is why the Lord gives encouragement in various ways.
First, God disciplines with love, just as parents redirect their children’ s
behavior out of love. The heavenly father has in mind the best for us
when he corrects us. Second, God gives us hope through his son.
He does not want our suffering to weaken us, but when it seems too
much to bear, the promise of eternity and the presence of Christ keep us
from despair. Third, God brings clarity through difficult times. As we learn
that their ways are higher than ours, we better understand their amazing attributes.
At the same time, our consciousness begins to sharpen and old patterns of unproductive
thinking begin to fade. Fourth, God promises he will never abandon us.
Brokenness can cause a sense of emptiness, but our father replaces it with his
presence, as it is much more enjoyable and reliable. Fifth, sir is
patient. He knows our background and our thinking patterns, but he also sees
the end result and knows that experience will be worth it. When faced with
difficulties, remember God’ s promises and keep your eyes fixed on the goal.
He wants to help you reach your full potential.