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In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul writes that our “light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory” and this emphasis on achieving a greater purpose becomes a pivotal message for believers. Through the struggles we endure, God is achieving something profound in our lives.

At the home for needy children where I live here in Oaxaca, Mexico, some of the staff members have dogs. Most of the dogs are relatively quiet, but one of the dogs really barks a lot, and it drives me crazy! I’m the gardener here, and anytime I am working in the vicinity of this animal, it goes off barking at me. This is a light and momentary trouble for me. It bothers me and sometimes makes me angry. But lately I have had a change of attitude. After meditating on 2 Corinthians 4:17 I have come to realize that the noisy dog is achieving for me an eternal glory. I have come to see that a lot of things that get on my nerves are really light and momentary troubles that are achieving for me a future glory.

People who work out like to say “no pain, no gain.” It seems Paul is saying “no troubles, no glory.” I have a feeling that what Paul means by light and momentary troubles, and what I mean are two different things. I think Paul was probably considering his troubles which he spoke of in verses 8 and 9: hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. These are a little more serious issues than a barking dog, but both work towards achieving an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs the problems.

As we face challenges and difficulties, it is easy to become disheartened and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, Paul’s inspired words call us to see beyond our immediate circumstances. God is not simply allowing us to endure hardships for the sake of it; rather, He is achieving a divine purpose through every trial we face.

By using the word “achieving,” Paul assures us that our struggles are not in vain. In the midst of our pain, God is at work, refining our character, deepening our faith, and molding us into vessels that reflect His glory. Through every trial, God is accomplishing His sovereign plan for our lives, guiding us towards eternal perfection in Christ.

Therefore, as believers, we can find hope and encouragement in the knowledge that God’s hand is on our lives, carefully orchestrating each circumstance for our ultimate good and His glory. With this perspective, we can persevere with unwavering faith, trusting that what the “achieving” God has in store for us surpasses any earthly trouble we might face.

Let us, then, fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and embrace the light and momentary troubles that come our way, whether it be noisy dogs or hard nosed persecutors, knowing that God’s divine purpose is being fulfilled through them. As we press on, confident in His power at work within us, we can rejoice in the promise of eternal glory that awaits all who endure with faith and hope in the midst of life’s trials.