This, too, shall pass away

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

We have an adage for use in times of difficulty: “This, too, shall pass away.” A favorite expression of President Abraham Lincoln, it provides a certain amount of comfort in times of trial. It gives us the stamina we need to overcome our “light affliction.” When faced with distress or trouble, we instinctively know that in time, it will pass.

At the moment, we cannot visit dearly loved brethren. Civil authorities have directed that we practice “social distancing,” stay inside our homes and only venture out to seek medical attention or to purchase food and supplies. We cannot assemble as a church. It is not clear how long the lock-down will last. Not do we fully understand the ramifications of the novel Coronvirus.

Yet, the words of the Holy Spirit comfort us. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Regardless what happens in the temporal, our faith is in God, not in the things that can be seen. We place our faith in a God that is working to provide a “house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.” Paul, through the Holy Spirit, confidentially teaches us that we will one day “be present with the Lord.” So, whether our “light affliction” passes tomorrow or at some distant time in the future, it will pass.

Lord willing, the members of the church will remain free of the Coronavirus and will have future opportunity to serve His Son Christ Jesus for many years to come. Yet, we cannot predict the future. In the meanwhile, we will do our best to stay in contact with each other and to pray for comfort, guidance and healing. Be assured when we place our confidence on things eternal, God will provide.