The beginning of anything often carries a sense of fresh possibilities. Yet, it doesn’t take long for that newness to fade. The news still reports the same issues—politics, division, and hardship. And beyond what’s covered in the media, many of us face personal struggles: loss, broken relationships, financial stress. It’s enough to weigh heavily on our hearts.

However, the Apostle Paul offers us a powerful perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison 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.”

Paul’s words remind us that our trials, though difficult, are temporary. More importantly, they serve a greater purpose, preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits. In this passage, Paul highlights three key aspects of glory: its eternal weight, its incomparable nature, and its unseen reality.

The Eternal Weight of Glory

When we think of glory, we might imagine something light and carefree, like a gentle breeze or a fleeting moment of joy. But Paul describes glory as having weight—something substantial and lasting. Unlike the transient world around us, this glory will endure forever. It is not fragile or fleeting but firm and unshakable, grounding us in God’s eternal reality.

Glory Beyond Comparison

Paul tells us that this glory is “beyond all comparison.” No earthly experience, no matter how magnificent, can come close to the splendor of what God has prepared for us. While we can attempt to describe it, words will always fall short. It is a beauty, a joy, a peace that surpasses human understanding. Even our wildest dreams cannot fully grasp what God has in store.

The Unseen is Eternal

Although we cannot see the wind, we know it exists because we witness its effects. Similarly, qualities such as love, hope, and joy—though unseen—are real and lasting. Unlike material possessions or worldly trends, which fade with time, these spiritual realities remain constant. Bell-bottoms may go out of style, but love, faith, and peace never will.

A Call to Shift Our Focus

Paul encourages us to redirect our attention from what is temporary to what is eternal. When we fix our eyes on material concerns—our struggles, our losses, the uncertainties of life—we can easily become overwhelmed. But when we focus on God’s promises, we gain a renewed sense of hope.

This shift in perspective does not mean we ignore our difficulties. Instead, it means we view them in light of eternity. Our trials are not meaningless; they are shaping us, refining us, and preparing us for something far greater than we can imagine.

Hope That Lasts

Paul’s message is ultimately one of encouragement. No matter what we face, we can take heart knowing that our suffering will end. There is hope for a brighter future, hope that God is in control, and hope that His promises extend beyond this life into eternity.

So as we navigate our lives and the challenges we face, let’s remember to lift our eyes beyond the temporary and fix our gaze on the unseen, the eternal, the glorious promises of God and therein find a hope that lasts.

Hallelujah!