Lift Up Your Eyes

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)

Sometimes when we are on a path and it is a particularly bumpy path, we tend to keep our eyes down. We gingerly take each step as we carefully watch our feet as we put one foot in front of the other. We do this because we are watching each step.

*

Walking the road of suffering can be the same way. We watch each step that we take and we are intently focused on our suffering. There is nothing wrong with this. It is to be expected. But as a result of this focus, all we see are the bumps on the path. Now there is no denying that the bumps are real. The bumps tell us that suffering is real. The Bible does not deny this. In fact, one of the things that Romans 8:18 tells us is that suffering is real. But that is not all that it tells us.

*

The Apostle Paul calls these sufferings, "present" sufferings. This word, in the original language, means a momentary, limited duration of time. Yet, we must admit, that in the midst of walking the bumpy path of suffering, our sufferings feel anything but momentary.

*

In the midst of suffering, our sufferings consume us and we think about them constantly. This is to be expected and we don't have to make any excuses for it. However, we sometimes do need to stop, and lift our eyes off of the path we are walking and gaze down the road. This is what the Apostle Paul tells us to do. He tells us, "Look at the path you are walking right now, see the bumps, but then lift your eyes and look down the road. Do you see where it is leading? These bumps are no comparison for what lies ahead. Yes, it's a tough road right now. But keep walking. For when the bumpy road ceases, you won't believe what you are going to see."

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1,2 NIV)

Free Blog Counter