If you are struggling to see the purpose of pain or to see a good God in the midst of affliction, Paul offers hope in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
“16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
This video compilation from musicians Shane and Shane and pastor John Piper is a powerful reminder that our afflictions are producing an eternal treasure for us that compels us to set our hope on the eternal things. Follow the link to watch the video.
Though You Slay Me (Shane and Shane with John Piper)
“Not only is all your affliction momentary, not only is all your affliction light, in comparison to eternity and the glory there, but all of it is totally meaningful. Every millisecond of your pain from the fallen nature or fallen man, every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory you will receive because of that.
I don’t care if it was cancer or criticism. I don’t care if it was slander or sickness. It wasn’t meaningless. It was doing something. It’s not meaningless. Of course you can’t see what it’s doing. Don’t look to what is seen. When your mom dies, when your kids dies, when you have cancer at 40, when a car careens in the sidewalk.
Don’t say, “It’s meaningless!” It’s not. It’s working for you an eternal weight of glory. Therefore, therefore, do not lose heart! But take these truths and day by day focus on them. Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God and preach them into your mind until your hearts sings with confidence that you are new and cared for.”
-John Piper
