The Perception to Press On

Main Verses:

2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For 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, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Additional Context:

2 Corinthians 11: 24-27 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

The Apostle Paul shares with us in 2nd Cor. 11 - many of the struggles he has faced in his life. Some examples include being imprisoned, beaten, starved, amongst many more. Yet he shows us how these moments helped create an endurance in his life to continue on.
We could be “Pressed on every side, Perplexed, Persecuted & Struck Down” but we will never be “Crushed, in Despair, Abandoned or Destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) This shows us his outlook- There was firmness & Endurance in his character & his perception.
Certainly these days we have gone through struggles; a lot of fear, uncertainty, maybe even lack of. Possibly Paul was tempted to think, “How will I get through this? How will everything be ok?” as some of us may have those feelings also. But how we respond to that, will determine what happens in the next chapter of our lives.
We must choose the route that He teaches us in Chapter 4- verse 17 “do not lose heart”. To stay strong & firm. The answer to build up the Endurance to do that is in our Perception Verse 18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Our eyes need to be fixed on what's next! The great things that lie ahead! And have a trust that not only will God get us through, but he will get us through to better!

Prayer requests
Prayer to not lose heart & build endurance to press on.
Call to envision a promise for what comes next. The correct Perception for the Future.

Invite your Group Attendees to Join us Friday at 7:30 on IG Live to continue a second part of this teaching.