"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17
If you've ever played Candy Land then you've likely been bogged down in the Molasses Swamp. That feature of the popular board game taught players to prepare for times of trouble. That's life!
This past year, the swamp has been most populated. Financial woes, health problems, loneliness, political strife, acrimony and fear have oozed over us to the point of suffocation. Will we ever climb out?
The Apostle Paul spoke of troubles in his second letter to the Corinthians, referring to them as "light and momentary." Let's take a look at the swamp he was in at times: floggings, imprisonment, stoning, riots and trials. He was well acquainted with thirst, starvation and exposure to the elements. These were very real dangers he confronted; then why does he refer to them as light and momentary? Because they're achieving an "eternal glory that far outweighs them all!" In his last words recorded in 2 Timothy 4:8, he said, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Tradition has it that Paul was beheaded in Rome by the emperor Nero.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Never stop longing for Jesus, our Savior. Grasp His hand; He'll pull you out of the molasses swamp.
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