Perspective

2CO 4:1, 7-11, 16-18 NIV

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ... But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ... Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly 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.

Man, it is so easy to fix our eyes on what is seen.  I am so guilty of that perspective these past several weeks.  But we must keep our perspective on the eternal reality.

We face death every day so that the life and resurrection power of Jesus can be demonstrated clearly through us.

Therefore we do not lose heart.  We choose to believe and maintain our trust in Christ, even when we are attacked and we can't see Him.

Heavenly Father, please help me maintain a good attitude and keep my perspective on you.  You are so loving and kind, and I need to focus on you.  May my life be a blessing to others, and may the light of Jesus Christ shine brightly through me.  I love you, and I pray in the name of Jesus.