Understanding Hard Times Through Faith, Grace, and Perspective
Life is full of ups and downs. At times, it feels like the storms just keep rolling in—one challenge stacked on top of another. Maybe you’ve faced heartbreak, loss, anxiety, or disappointment. Sometimes, it’s not just one big thing, but a series of small troubles that add up and make everyday life feel heavy.
But what if these hard times aren’t as overwhelming as they seem? What if, in the grand scheme of things, our struggles are actually “light and momentary”—even working for our good? That’s the message found in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, where the Apostle Paul encourages us not to give up, even when life feels like it’s falling apart on the outside. On the inside, he says, God is making something new. Day by day, God’s grace is unfolding—even if we can’t always see it. The tough times we go through now are “small potatoes” compared to the glorious future God has planned for us.
What Does “Light and Momentary Afflictions” Really Mean?
When Paul talks about “light and momentary afflictions,” he’s not denying that our pain is real. He doesn’t say, “just get over it” or “pretend everything’s okay.” Instead, he gives us a new way to look at our troubles. He reminds us that, while the things we see and feel now might be hard, they won’t last forever. They’re temporary. But the things we can’t see—the spiritual growth, the strength, the hope, the relationship with God—are eternal. They last.
The Greek word Paul uses for “affliction” is “thlipsis,” which means to press, squeeze, or apply pressure—like being stuck in a tight spot, hemmed in with no way out. It’s not just about physical pain; it’s also about emotional and mental pressure. Stress, worry, heartbreak, suffering—these are all types of affliction. And Paul makes it clear: Everyone experiences them. It’s part of being human.
Why Don’t We Give Up?
“So we’re not giving up. How could we!” Paul writes. It’s human nature to want to quit when things get tough. Sometimes, the weight of our problems feels like too much to bear. But Paul says we have a reason to hold on—a reason to keep hope alive. Why? Because even as things seem to be falling apart outwardly, God is working inwardly, creating new life, new strength, new purpose. Every day, God’s grace is at work in us, even if we don’t notice it right away.
This grace isn’t just a feeling or a wishful thought—it’s God’s active presence, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). It means that no pain is wasted. Every struggle, every tear, every moment of confusion is part of a bigger plan. God is shaping us, renewing us, and preparing us for greater things ahead.
Pressure Makes Gems
Think about how precious gems are made—diamonds, silver, gold. They don’t become beautiful overnight. They’re formed under incredible pressure, heat, and stress. It takes years—sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands—for these gems to form. The same is true for us. The pressure we feel, the stress we endure, is shaping us. It’s making us stronger, wiser, and more beautiful in the eyes of our Creator.
God, in His infinite wisdom, allows us to go through “furnaces of affliction.” Not because He wants to hurt us, but because He wants to reveal His image in us. Just as gold is refined in fire, we are refined through the challenges we face. Suffering helps us develop endurance, and endurance shapes our character, which leads to hope—a hope that will never disappoint because it’s rooted in God’s unfailing love (Romans 5:3-5).
Trusting God’s Plan When Things Don’t Make Sense
Trusting God during tough times isn’t always easy. It’s normal to ask questions like, “Why is this happening?” or “Does God really care?” The truth is, trusting God doesn’t mean we always understand what’s going on. It means we believe that God is good, even when life isn’t. It means we commit our circumstances to Him, the way Jesus did (1 Peter 2:21-24).
Sometimes, it takes time to learn this kind of trust. For many people, it’s a journey. Maybe you’ve gone through seasons of divorce, job loss, sickness, or other trials. Maybe you’ve felt completely alone. But over time, as you see God’s faithfulness—how He carries you through, how He provides, how He brings comfort—you begin to let go and trust Him more. The more we lean on God, the more we realize that His grace is enough, even when we’re weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Affliction Is Part of the Christian Life
Acts 14:22 says, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” When you read about the lives of Paul, Peter, and other early Christians, you see that suffering wasn’t the exception—it was the rule. Following Jesus isn’t a guarantee of an easy life. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).
Sometimes, following Jesus means letting go of relationships, dreams, or material things. It can even mean risking our lives. But there’s a promise for those who stay the course: “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when that person has stood the test they will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Renewal Happens Inside Out
It’s easy to focus on what’s happening on the outside—our circumstances, our problems, the things we can see and touch. But Paul encourages us to pay attention to what’s happening inside. Our “inner man” is being renewed day by day. Even when we feel worn out, God is giving us fresh strength, fresh hope, every single day.
How do we tap into that renewal? By turning to God. By praying, reading His Word, worshipping, and spending time with other believers. By keeping our eyes on eternal things, not on temporary troubles. Faith helps us make the right judgment about what matters most.
Unseen Things Are Eternal
Paul draws a sharp contrast between what is seen and what is unseen. The things we see—our health, our finances, our relationships—are temporary. They can change or fade away in an instant. But the things we can’t see—God’s love, grace, faithfulness, our spiritual growth—last forever. These are the things worth holding onto.
Let’s not get bogged down chasing after worldly advantages or fearing present distresses. Instead, let’s make our future happiness sure by focusing on what lasts. Let’s remember that our current struggles are nothing compared to the eternal glory ahead.
Staying Steadfast in Trials
So what do we do when the pressure mounts? We stay steadfast. We don’t run away from God; we run to Him. Even when everything in us wants to escape or give up, we hold on to the promise that God’s grace is sufficient. We remember that the resurrection of Jesus is our assurance of victory over every trial—even death itself.
The grace of faith is a remedy when trouble comes. Faith helps us see our heavy burdens as “light and short” compared to the weighty, lasting glory that’s coming. If Paul could call his lifelong struggles “light and momentary,” how much more should we trust God with our everyday challenges?
Encouragement for Today
If you’re in the middle of a difficult season, don’t lose heart. Know that you’re not alone. Everyone goes through times of suffering, pain, and pressure. But these moments are not the end of your story. They’re part of the process—God’s process—of making you more like Him.
God wants you to enjoy your everyday life, even when things get tough. When it looks as though things are falling apart, trust that God is working behind the scenes for your good. Better days are coming. These light afflictions are working for you, not against you, to produce a greater glory that will be revealed in time.
Let God’s unfolding grace renew you day by day. Don’t give up. There’s far more going on than meets the eye. The things you see now may be here today and gone tomorrow, but what God is building in you will last forever.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
August 2015
afrancinegreen.com 