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Answer
There are many things that make us weary on this earth. Due to sin, we face trials and hardships that make life challenging. However, Christians are assured that our challenges are only temporary and light afflictions compared to eternity “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”, (2 Corinthians 4:17, NASB). The believer’s hope enables them to endure and not lose heart even in difficult times.
Christians encounter hardships like everyone else. It’s normal to feel discouraged and wounded during tough times. Yet, believers hold onto hope that goes beyond the temporary pain we endure. When challenges arise, believers do not need to lose hope. Our trust in God secures our souls through life’s fluctuations “which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”, (Hebrews 6:19). Believers remain steadfast because the resurrection and the eternal glory we await far surpass anything we face in our afflictions “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”, (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God. We are certain that sin and death are conquered. One day, we will also be resurrected and spend eternity with God, free from sin and death. While in this life, “we are hard pressed on every side,” we are not crushed. Though we are “perplexed,” we are not in despair. We may be “persecuted,” but we are not forsaken; we may be “struck down,” but we are not destroyed “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”, (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Persecuted,” but we are not abandoned. We are “struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Yes, we experience life’s difficulties, but we are also filled with hope through these challenges. The salvation of our souls and the hope of eternal life with God allow us to persevere and not lose heart despite life’s circumstances.
Paul was imprisoned, beaten, and whipped for sharing the good news of the gospel. He was shipwrecked and faced peril at sea and from robbers, fellow Jews, Gentiles, and false believers. He was at times hungry, thirsty, cold, and deprived (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). Yet Paul resolved not to lose heart. He would not let his difficulties plunge him into hopelessness. With hope in Christ, Paul was able to declare, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” «Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. », (Romans 8:37). Paul continued to preach the gospel with zeal despite all the challenges and suffering he encountered.
Jesus told us that a life of following Him would be difficult, but He also reassured us with hope: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33). Believers do not lose heart because their hope in Christ is stronger than any difficulty they will encounter on this earth.
