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.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV
Unseen
A June 2022 poll from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute found overall, 45 per cent of Canadians say they are worse off now than they were the year before, the highest level in at least 12 years. Asked about the year ahead, one-third expect even worse – also the highest number in over a decade. Individual factors are contributing to these financial challenges. Half of Canadians say it is a challenge to afford their household grocery bill – a seven-point increase in eight months.
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Happy New Year! I pray God’s richest blessings for you and your family throughout 2023. I don’t know how your year has started out. Maybe all is well and you are enjoying the favour of God on all aspects of your life. It is more likely, however, that the reality of living in this world has followed you into this new year. Paul the apostle certainly knew the challenges of life. In 2 Corinthians 11, he speaks about imprisonments, floggings, stonings, shipwrecks, and being exposed to death multiple times. And yet he writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “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.” No matter what you will face in 2023, know that God has a purpose in it all. He is working for our eternal glory that will outweigh any of the challenges. Throughout 2023, keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. And no matter what comes your way, eternal glory will outweigh them all.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley