13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. [2 Cor 4:13-18]

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth about the price he and his cohorts were paying in order to preach the Gospel among the Gentiles of that day. He wanted them to understand that this was no easy journey that he was on. Why? Because he wanted them to understand that, while they themselves might be facing hardship, or inevitably would face hardship, it would be worth all the difficulty.

Perhaps you’re walking through a difficult time and are tempted to withhold thanksgiving to God as you carry what feels like the weight of the world. Hear these words of encouragement from our brother in Christ, Paul.

Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins and diseases, but was raised to new life. And He’s still “raising the dead”, over 2000 years after His ascension to Heaven. His work is not completed on this earth, but His hope still reigns and is available for all who will take Him up on the offer.

God receives glory through your life of victory. In fact, when you bring Him your difficulties, He gets more glory with each win! Your struggles placed in His hands produce more victories for Him to win!

We are undoubtedly living beneath the weight of a sinful world, but our trials here won’t last long. Why? Because there’s hope of an eternity with Christ just ahead. Paul said it plainly: our troubles won’t last long. And in comparison to the glory we’ll soon share upon Christ’s return, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”! It will be worth it all!

…in comparison to the glory we’ll soon share upon Christ’s return, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”!

So, let’s offer thanks to God who gives us the blessing of breath in our lungs for each day. Purpose to look for reasons to thank Him, over these next few days especially. Make a list. Write it down. Start with the seemingly small things like “waking up this morning” to “food to eat each day” and then move your way through the past year. What prayers has He answered? What prayers went unanswered that worked out in your favor?

He’s so good. So very good. So let’s give Him thanks.

–Bridgette