2 Corinthians 4:13-18 (NIV)
13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”[a] Since we have that same spirit of[b] faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2024 is here! How has the beginning been for you? Whether it was a joyful celebration or a painful transition, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to reply to this email and let me know!
The transition into 2024 was a tough one for our family. I was pregnant with our son, Ty Richard Savage, and on December 29th he went to be with Jesus. We’ve shed many tears, but we mourn with hope, knowing he is with our Heavenly Father where he is completely known, dearly loved, and free from all illness and defects.
Hardships and loss can give us eternal perspective. While we long to see our loved ones, we can find hope in the eternal joy awaiting us in heaven.
We can find hope in the heartache.
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul talks about the hope and resurrection life we have in Jesus despite our present weaknesses. In verse 17, Paul calls our struggles “light and momentary”. This would feel rather dismissive if someone were to say that to me amidst hardship.
But I like to think God is uttering under His breath, “If only you knew!”
In Christ, no tear is shed in vain. He may not remove the pain in the moment, but He will redeem it. One day, when I reunite with Ty, I will see the breathtaking way God used this pain for my good and His glory.
Not only will I see Ty again, but I will be united with my Saviour, an eternal joy that will surpass all other joys.
REFLECTION: How does an eternal perspective help you face today’s heartaches and challenges?
LYRICS
Never Let Me Go
By Chelsea Amber and Geoff Fifield
Verse 1:
When all I feel is heartache You're worthy of my praise
When all my strength is fading You're worthy of my praise
When the night is never-ending And my deepest fears are looming
You're worthy of my praise
My praise
Verse 2:
When the floods of doubt are rising I know that I can trust You
When the towering waves are crashing I know that I can trust You
When the darkest clouds surround me And though I cannot see You
I'll always choose to trust You
I'll always trust You
Pre-Chorus:
No matter what I face
No matter how the storms rage
I know
Chorus:
Oh, You'll never let me go
Oh, Your peace will hold my soul
Oh, You'll never let me go
Verse 3:
When my feet are worn and weary I'll follow where you lead me
When the narrow path is winding I'll follow where you lead me
When the wind is fierce against me And the rain blurs what I'm seeing
I'll follow where you lead me
I'll follow where you lead
Pre-Chorus
Chorus x2
It Is Well With My Soul
By Horatio G. Spafford
Verse 1:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
Chorus:
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
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