“Do Not Lose Heart” (2 Cor. 4:16-18), the Scriptures admonish us. Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray rather than to lose heart (Luke 18:1). Paul counseled the saints in Galatia, Ephesus, Thessalonica, and Corinth not to grow weary or lose heart. But how can we put those words into action? It is easy to grow weary with all the troubles that surround us. Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) to do what he does – focus on the reality of what the Lord is doing in your life. When you see difficulties, remember that the Lord is at work in you, renewing you and preparing a place in glory for you. Look to what is unseen rather than what is seen!

I. Wasting Away, But Renewed
A. The Old Creation
B. The New Creation

II. Momentary Affliction, But Glory
A. Affliction
B. Glory

III. The Seen, But the Unseen
A. Fleeting
B. Eternal