January 13th

Look at the Things Not Seen

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

A Spiritual Truth

This passage in Corinthians sometimes appears to be beyond our ability to grasp. Yet a little meditation into it can open up concepts to us that are not that difficult to understand. We must remember that the Bible teaches us spiritual truth that our spirit man can take hold of.

Our Light Affliction Works a Weighty Benefit

The Apostle Paul is speaking, and he says that our affliction, which is very light, works a much weightier and lasting benefit for us. He is referring to the things we go through in this life, the struggles we sometimes face. Jesus said that in this world you shall have tribulation, or struggles, but be of good cheer, for I, Jesus, have overcome the world. The Bible says that God always causes us to triumph in Christ.

So, Paul is saying that our affliction, which is in comparison light, works a heavier and more weighty benefit for us, while we look not at the things which are seen. What are the things which are seen? They are the things that we can see are going on. For example, we can see that we are sick, or that we are in financial need, or that there is some problem to deal with. It is clear and obvious to our senses.

Things Not Seen

Paul is saying to look not at those things, or don’t set your attention on those things, the things that are seen, but rather look at the things which are not seen. How do we look at something that is not seen? We must look at it through the eye of faith. We must look at it based on the promises of God.

The Eternal Word of God

There are any number of Scriptures that tell us that the word of God is eternal and unchanging. Jesus said that heaven and earth would pass away, but that His words would not pass away. When heaven and earth are gone, the word of God will still be standing strong. That which is eternal and unchanging can change that which is natural and subject to change. It’s like an irresistible force meeting a moveable object. The object will move. That which can be changed will change.

We look at the things which are not seen by looking at the promises of God, given to us in His word. We see them with our heart, for the Bible says that with the heart man believes. Faith in the word of God is the thing that releases the power of the word to change the things that can be changed.

2 Corinthians 4:18 . . . for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Temporary and Eternal

The word “temporal” means for a season, enduring only for a while, or temporary. Something that is temporary is subject to change. On the other hand, the word “eternal “means without beginning, without end, never to cease, everlasting, and unchanging.

The Eternal Will Change the Temporary

The things which we can see are momentarily enduring, while the word of God, the promises of God, are without beginning and end, eternal, unchanging. If we will set our faith upon those eternal things, the things which are temporary will change, for that which is eternal cannot change.

Take your mind off your problems today, and set your heart upon the promises of God that cover your situation. Meditate in His promises. Ponder the word of God, until you can see in your heart the outcome that the word of God promises. Let that be what you focus on and rejoice in, and let the word of God change every undesirable situation in your life.