The Things That Are Seen....

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and external weight of glory; 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.

In case you haven't noticed, everything around you, everything you can see, is subject to change. The natural realm is actually constantly changing. Circumstances change, the way we look changes, nature is in constant motion. Yes everything that is seen is temporal. I don't know about you but that gives me peace. I know some people might not like change, but without change breakthroughs couldn't happen and growth coulden't happen. I don't know about you, but I welcome breakthrough and change. It ministers peace to me to know that change is possible. Whether it be a change in our character, our finances, our family situations, or something else. I always welcome a change for the better.

Also, it's even more exciting to me that there are some things that don't change. There are some things we can count on no matter what. Eternal things don't change. They are static, fixed and not subject to change. God who is eternal changes not. (Malachi 3:6). Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Also, the word of God is eternal and doesn't change. (Psalm 119:89) God doesn't alter the thing that goes forth out of his mouth or go back on his words and covenants. (Psalm 89:34) The Lord's character, will and nature have never changed. He thinks the same way today as he did before the foundation of the world.

If you really embrace this concept it will strengthen your faith. God is dependable. His word is dependable and if you continue to stand on it in the face of challenges, 2 Cor. 4:17-18 says our light affliction will last just for a moment. So next time you receive a bad report, stand on God's word and don't be moved. Get a scripture out that speaks to that situation. For example, if you get an unexpected bill in the mail that you don't know how you are going to pay. Take Philippians 4:19 and stand on it, speak it out loud and believe it. Or if you get a negative doctor's report. You can just respond be saying, "Well, this is temporal. It's subject to change. I'm not going to focus on this, I'm going to focus on the eternal things, things that don't change. I'm going to believe God's word that says by his stripes I'm healed. This doctors report is subject to change and by faith I see it reversed."

So let's all make a decision to stand firm today on eternal things and not let the temporal situations in life steal our joy. Believe the word for your kids, your marriage, your finances, your unsaved loved ones. Believe that God is able to turn anything around. See it done. Get your heart in agreement with God's word and watch the circumstances change!