At times, our lives can be overwhelmed and filled with trials. Often, when we are experiencing a season of unexpected challenges, we need to understand that God is still at work. These are the seasons where God is building our “spiritual muscles” and teaching us to place our eyes upon Him and His glory.

Paul describes these seasons as having light affliction. A casual reading may cause one to think that Paul doesn’t understand real pain. However, Paul endured hardships unlike many people who have ever lived. Physical beatings, hunger pains, lack of resources, and being hated by most people were common, and yet Paul referred to them as light affliction. The truth is that all of our challenges and trials are light affliction compared to the “eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”

Recently, I had vocal cord surgery and was unable to speak for 21 straight days…not even a whisper! Being unsure if I would be able to use my voice again to preach was a light affliction. Reading our prayer requests every week at church, I hear about serious health issues, marriage problems, financial issues, destruction at home, and challenges at work. While every request we receive and pray can be an enormous challenge, each one is simply a light affliction which God is using for His glory.

Whatever challenge you are facing today is simply a light affliction when compared to the weight of glory that we are going to experience in the Lord Jesus Christ. One hundred years from now your present challenge will not even be a thought in your mind. Thank God today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that this season of challenge is only temporary. Praise Him that the glory to come is eternal.