Temporal vs Eternal

II Corinthians 4:8,9,18

Job said that man is of few days and full of trouble. Here, Paul admits that he is troubled on every side. He also tells us that he is perplexed, persecuted, and cast down. Although we have not experienced persecution like he did, we can identify with what Paul is describing when he mentions trouble, being perplexed, and being cast down. In everything that Paul experienced in his life that was negative, how was he able to remain victorious and faithful in the ministry that God had entrusted him with?

The answer is found in verse 18. He chose not to look at the things which are seen because that which can be seen is temporal. Instead, he focused on the that which cannot be seen. The unseen is eternal. That which is eternal is our reality as the children of God. We can see, hear, and feel trouble. We have been perplexed and cast down and when those experiences take place, it is an overwhelming reality. But does it have to be?

We have very powerful promises in the Bible concerning this subject.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Throughout the trouble, persecution, being perplexed, and being cast down, Paul chose to look on that which could not be seen by the human eye. He knew the Lord was there with him through it all. He knew the Lord was giving the victory no matter what the circumstances. And, he knew ultimately he was an eternal child of God created for his real home, heaven, and nothing down here could ever change that.

This life is temporal. Our circumstances and experiences are temporal. Our salvation is eternal. Our Heavenly Father is eternal. He is always with us no matter what, therefore, our victory in Him is eternal.