Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Memory verse:
“Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭144‬:‭4‬ ‭

Have you ever fixed a very distant date for a major event? Most often, at that time of fixing, you feel so relaxed, considering that you have ample time to prepare for it. But suddenly, you discover that the day is here with you already and you say, “How time flies!”
The Bible uses different images to describe the brief nature of the life of man on earth, like mist, breath, passing shadow, grass, flower, smoke, weaver’s shuttle and a sigh.
Time is a very important factor of perseverance which you must understand if you want to be successful in life. We can’t say we have persevered until a sufficient time has been employed. Testing, trials and troubles, all require time. This is where your patience and conviction will be proved. No wonder, the believer’s life is compared to a farmer. He sows his seed and patiently waits for it to grow ‭‭(Jam‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬-‭8‬).
Also, recognizing the temporal nature of things that happen in time will help us to persevere. You endure the pain of discomfort for some things simply because you know it’s just for a while. According to our text today, Paul called it light affliction or trouble. It is the knowledge of the temporal, momentary, transitory, passing and short-lived nature of the trouble that made him not to faint, lose heart or give up. It is so brief compared to the glory of an endless life afterwards.
Also, if you know that your time here is so brief, then you will persevere in spite of the troubles of life and pray for wisdom to number your days‭‭(Psa‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬).
Friends, do not lose heart. Don’t give up on God. Don’t give up on life. Your present trouble won’t last forever. It will soon come to pass. Above all, don’t give up the glory of eternity because of the present troubles.

Prayer points
1. Father, I receive Your grace to be patient in affliction and never to faint in Jesus name.
2. Father, teach me to daily number my days and to apply my heart to wisdom in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. I persevere in life because of my understanding of the temporary nature of things.
2. I know that I can’t be successful in life without persevering and I can’t persevere without being patient.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng