II Corinthians 4:15 March 27, 2014

Alfred Shropshire     

II Corinthians 4:15       

March 27, 2014

All this is for your sake; and as God’s grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

Paul tells the believers at Corinth that he engages in his ministry by the mercy of God granting him favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation.  Paul speaks out boldly because he believes in and has faith in what he says. Paul keeps his eyes fixed on eternal truths that can be experienced but not seen. The difficulties, setbacks, and troubles Paul encounters are temporary and momentary happenings that mark ones life on earth.   As believers see how Paul’s faith enables him to weather each storm, they also recognize God’s grace at work in their own lives, and are joyous in giving thanks to God.

When the “temporary” and the “momentary” get under your skin, remember, keep your eye on the eternal truth, “God who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us . . . into his presence “ (II Cor. 4: 14).  Until that day comes, be thankful for God’s grace and for what God has given you:

Enough happiness to keep you sweet,

Enough trials to keep you strong,

Enough hope to keep you happy,

Enough failure to keep you humble,

Enough success to keep you eager,

Enough friends to give you comfort,

Enough wealth to make you look forward,

Enough faith to banish depression,

Enough determination to make each day better than the last. *

Prayer:  Thank you Father for your greatest gift of all, your son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on him through our daily living.  Amen.  

*Author unknown