Sometimes this life is just almost unbearable in its challenges.  And yet the Scriptures remind us these challenges are “light and momentary” (2 Cor 4:17).

How is that even possible?  I look into my eyes in the mirror and as much as I feel joy at times, my eyes are reflecting the stress of heavy, lengthy and lonely challenges.

Light and Momentary Specks of Eternity

Then I was reading Ephesians 1:3 this morning:  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

When we look back on this life in eternity, it will only be a small speck.  Eternity will eclipse this life so much so that all our troubles will look light and momentary.  But we are in the here and now.  And right now they feel an eternity away from “light and momentary.”

Blessings after Blessing

As I was pondering on the “every blessing we have in Christ,” I am again provoked to ‘set my mind on things above, not on earthly things’ (Col 3:2).

My blessings are not just “in heaven” as Paul doesn’t say here in Ephesians, but “in the heavenlies.”  That means they are present realities:

• We are chosen (1:4)
• We are his children (1:5)
• We have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins (1:7)
• We know the mystery of his will (1:9)
• We are for the praise of his glory (1:12)
• We are included in Christ (1:13)
• We are marked by the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritence (1:14)

Where are my Thoughts?

My thoughts are often tied up with earthly troubles, grieving my own losses, and forgetting my blessings.  I do remember to thank God often, but I’m also dwelling on many of my challenges.  Yet if my thoughts are to represent realty, I would do better to dwell mainly on the above – blessings after blessing.

Because these trials, they will pass.  Maybe only when I pass but they will pass.  But my blessings in Christ will last forever.

Conclusion

I know my trials are severe sometimes.  And I hate the look in my eyes.  But it’s time to take the bull by the horns.  And remember that no matter what, I have every blessing in Christ.

This, then, is what needs to eclipse all else.