Overcoming Today's Challenges

 We are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  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. 
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
           
Everyday life is filled with challenges:  aging and decaying physical bodies; ungodly culture; deception and fake news; lack of respect for life and the unborn; prejudice; intolerance; false religions; finances; persecution and rejection; and the list goes on and on.

How can we endure these challenges, remain calm, overcome them, and find peace?  Paul who endured imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks and many other calamities, implores us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.  Ask God prayerfully for His loving direction to change your attention on earthly troubles, to focus on His Lordship, His promises, His Word, and your relationship with Him.  Look to see His Face and inspiration.  What is seen is temporary – earthly life, troubles, sickness, and problems.  What is unseen is eternal.   Focus on God, then you will know and feel His stability, strength, comfort, and confidence, now and in the future.

“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  (2 Corinthians 9:8)  God is ever present and willing to renew our outlook, attitude and purpose.