“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.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Medieval scientists studying alchemy tried desperately to transform base metals into gold. They were looking for an almost magical process by which to create more of the valuable treasure.
But the apostle Paul had already discovered that God is the supreme and true alchemist! He can take afflictions that threaten to defeat and destroy us, turning them into an eternal glory that far outweighs our suffering. “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify [them] and refine them like gold” (Malachi 3:3).
When we consider all that tortured Paul physically and emotionally, it is a wonder that he could call them “light and momentary troubles.” Yet that is what he knew his trials to be. He did not lose heart because he knew the Lord was renewing his spirit inwardly each day. God was taking the negative experiences of earthly life and transforming them into positive facets of glory.
Jesus Christ, the divine alchemist, is working through the agonies of your life, too, refining you into a treasure like gold.



Scripture Focus

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Insight

God will use all the impure materials of your life and transform them into something valuable, making you more like Christ.

Bible In A Year

  • Job 31-32
  • Psalm 57
  • Luke 20

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