For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NIV)
I love waterfalls. I love pictures of them, seeing them on movies or TV shows. I love them in person. (Did you know Indiana has over 200 waterfalls?)
I was reading the above verse a while back and the picture of a waterfall came to mind. I was seeing the turbulence right before the water plunges over the edge of the fall, the dangerous rocks jutting out, even imagining the fear involved when one might plunge over that water fall to the depths below. Yet, innately, in the power and might of the waterfall, is beauty – almost glory.
Sometimes, I picture my life as a river headed for those falls. There are peaceful times, when the water flows quietly, calmly. There are times of white rapids, when I wonder if I can navigate them successfully. Yet, God always sees me through.
I am beginning to see how God is using the conditions that challenge me – much like the turbulence and the rocks the river must surmount before it plunges exhilaratingly over the edge of the falls in wonder and glory. Our current afflictions are indeed temporary – and one day we will take that final fall, into His arms. What glory there will be for those of us who love Him!
Father God, Thank you for you might and glory. Thank you that you know exactly where we are in this life and that you will one day bring glory from our days. Amen.