In 2 Corinthians 4:17 the apostle Paul writes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” C.S. Lewis called this, “The weight of glory.” The apostle Paul’s message is clear. If we could put all of the troubles, pains, struggles, and losses of this life on one side of a scale, and the eternal glory that is waiting for all who follow Jesus on the other side, the scale would tip with an infinite thud on the side of the glory God has in store for us.
Paul is not saying that our pain and hurts are not real or significant. Remember, in chapter one of this same letter he writes about the comfort we receive in all of our afflictions…and share with others. God is aware of the reality and severity of the pain we experience in this life. Paul also writes about his own sufferings and hardships in chapters six and eleven of this same letter.
The point is not that our suffering in this life is light.
What God wants to drive deep into our souls is that the weight of glory that we will experience for eternity is so massive, that the comparison is not even a comparison!
During this Thanksgiving season, take time to look at all of the goodness, blessings, provision, and spiritual blessings God has already given you. Put them on the scale. Then, add the eternal glory of God that you will experience forever through faith in Jesus. And, be thankful!