"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." — 2 Corinthians 4:17
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself teetering on the edge of compassion fatigue. Carrying the stories of others is a gift and a privilege, but I became acutely aware of the strain on my emotional reserves.
During a worship service, I reflected on why I felt such emotional distress and realized that the grief and pain weighing heavily on me were stark reminders of the world's brokenness—a world that is not as it should be. I felt an overwhelming longing to lament all that’s wrong—the result of sin and my powerlessness to make things right.
I turned to the pages of a book on lament, seeking to understand and process my emotions and learn how to bring them before the Lord. Reading about suffering is often daunting for me, as memories of our difficult season surface easily, quickly stirring my heart with the hurts and reminders of lessons in resilience and faith learned during that storm.
Life's most profound lessons often emerge from seasons of hardship. The paradox of divine strength is that God's people find their greatest triumphs not in moments of ease but in times of trial. Theodore Cuyler writes, “God’s people are never so exalted as when they are brought low, never so enriched as when they are emptied, never so advanced as when they are set back by adversity, never so near the crown as when under the cross.” These truths challenge our natural inclination to equate blessing with comfort and success.
Scripture reminds us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Though we acknowledge the difficulties in our affliction and cry out to seek the Lord, we hold onto the great hope that, while we cannot fix it, Christ has—offering redemption and securing ultimate victory through His sacrifice.
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians remind us that afflictions, though painful, are momentary compared to the eternal glory they cultivate. Each trial shapes us, drawing us closer to the likeness of Christ and preparing us for the joy that awaits. Culyer goes on to say, “One of the sweetest enjoyments of heaven will be to review our own experiences under this law of compensations, and to see how often affliction worked out for us the exceeding weight of glory.” In eternity, we will understand how God’s strength was made perfect in our weakness.
Consider a recent challenge you faced. How has it stretched your faith or shifted your reliance from yourself to God?
Grace & Peace,
Amber
Content: This Week…
In Articles (curated content just for you)
On the Blog
In Articles
You Can't Life-Hack Your Way to Holiness | Trevin Wax (TGC)
In a world where there's a life hack for almost anything, or five simple steps on any topic at a click, it's easy to feel pulled toward shortcuts in our spiritual growth.I’ve found myself tempted to apply quick fixes to deepen my faith, only to realize they can't replace true connection with God. We can't grow unless we're immersed in the Word and committed to prayer, yet holiness is the long game—something I've learned is entirely dependent on the work of the Spirit and the grace of God, rather than just my own efforts.
Why Am I So Spiritually Dry? | Glenna Marshall
"But as I crunched my way through my neighborhood and watched the clouds for rain, I realized that dry seasons can be for our good. Sometimes spiritual dry spells come with a diagnosis and sometimes they don't, but the only way through them is through them." I found this really encouraging after feeling weary the last couple weeks!
Doctor Google, Influencer Moms, and the Local Church | Tim Challies
We've all turned to the internet. for advice at one time or another. But Tim's caution here is to consider the people God has placed in our lives for exactly that purpose of mentorship and support and whether or. not we lean into these precious gifts. Definitely something to consider!
I Want More | Amy Medina
I appreciated Amy's insights on the transition from living overseas back to America, and how wishlists and wants evolve over time. We've observed this within our own family, and it can be quite a startling contrast. The way through temptation is to be aware of it and then make the necessary shifts and changes to value things of eternal significance.
Guard Kids' Eyes and Hearts Online | Tim Wolford (TGC)
I don't think we can have this conversation enough—for ourselves as parents and also with our kids. Through my work in the ER I see many adolescents with unhealthy device habits which directly impacts their mental health. When we talk about it, they look at me like a deer in the headlights, they've never correlated the two before but can see how their current crisis led to these circumstances. Food for thought anyway.
Previously on Mosaic
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