“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison...” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)
Every single person who has ever lived has dealt with momentary afflictions. These little “thorns in the flesh” or recurring annoyances might get under your skin. They may eat away at your calm. They are a part of life, yet we loathe their intrusion whenever they appear. However, some of these annoyances or momentary afflictions can teach valuable lessons. They have the ability to not only expose our weaknesses but can make us strong. In the same way that a cold or the flu can bolster the immune system, momentary afflictions may strengthen one’s resolve or engender patience. They can also be great spiritual tools that God uses to build something in your character or to affect your attitude.
The prophet Job went through various afflictions. At first, Job responded to his afflictions with sadness. Then, he went through bouts of disdain and anger and depression and hopelessness. In the end, Job came through a more faithful man. He appreciated the value of life more than ever. He was more forgiving and gracious. His faith was much deeper. His patience grew much stronger.
The scripture for today, included above, teaches about life’s annoyances. Written by Paul, the scripture teaches that “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Little annoyances, bothersome snags, and prickly situations all keep you from smooth sailing through your life. They introduce disruptions and challenges to your every day. Your response to these annoyances and light momentary afflictions will expose your demeanor, level of patience, and ability to handle adversity. They will also display your level of patience, love, and trust in God’s ways.
How well do you handle momentary afflictions and annoyances that come your way?
“There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
Who found that sand had got under his shell;
Just one little grain, but it gave him much pain,
For oysters have feelings although they’re so plain.
Now, did he berate the working of Fate
Which had led him to such a deplorable state?
Did he curse out the Government, call for an election?
No; as he lay on the shelf, he said to himself, “If I cannot remove it, I’ll try to improve it.”
So the years rolled by as the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate destiny—stew.
And this small grain of sand which had bothered him so,
Was a beautiful pearl, all richly aglow.
Now this tale has a moral—for isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand;
What couldn’t we do if we’d only begin
With all of the things that get under our skin.”
(from 6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths).
This parable of the oyster exposes a valuable lesson. The parable begs the question, “What do you do with things that get “under your shell”? How do you respond to unwanted intrusions to your day? What happens when things don’t go your way?
Life is full of little annoyances. Like Job, some people initially respond with anger, resentment, bitterness, sadness, depression, and irritation. What if those little annoyances are in your life for a purpose? What if God put them there? Those annoyances might be like the sand in an oyster bed. Those bothersome little pinpricks to your day might be exactly what you need to change your attitude or learn a new lesson. You just need to find the “pearls of wisdom” or "kernels of truth" among the bothersome! Only then will God’s purpose for this moment be discovered!
The prophet Job went through various afflictions. At first, Job responded to his afflictions with sadness. Then, he went through bouts of disdain and anger and depression and hopelessness. In the end, Job came through a more faithful man. He appreciated the value of life more than ever. He was more forgiving and gracious. His faith was much deeper. His patience grew much stronger.
The scripture for today, included above, teaches about life’s annoyances. Written by Paul, the scripture teaches that “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Little annoyances, bothersome snags, and prickly situations all keep you from smooth sailing through your life. They introduce disruptions and challenges to your every day. Your response to these annoyances and light momentary afflictions will expose your demeanor, level of patience, and ability to handle adversity. They will also display your level of patience, love, and trust in God’s ways.
How well do you handle momentary afflictions and annoyances that come your way?
“There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
Who found that sand had got under his shell;
Just one little grain, but it gave him much pain,
For oysters have feelings although they’re so plain.
Now, did he berate the working of Fate
Which had led him to such a deplorable state?
Did he curse out the Government, call for an election?
No; as he lay on the shelf, he said to himself, “If I cannot remove it, I’ll try to improve it.”
So the years rolled by as the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate destiny—stew.
And this small grain of sand which had bothered him so,
Was a beautiful pearl, all richly aglow.
Now this tale has a moral—for isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand;
What couldn’t we do if we’d only begin
With all of the things that get under our skin.”
(from 6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths).
This parable of the oyster exposes a valuable lesson. The parable begs the question, “What do you do with things that get “under your shell”? How do you respond to unwanted intrusions to your day? What happens when things don’t go your way?
Life is full of little annoyances. Like Job, some people initially respond with anger, resentment, bitterness, sadness, depression, and irritation. What if those little annoyances are in your life for a purpose? What if God put them there? Those annoyances might be like the sand in an oyster bed. Those bothersome little pinpricks to your day might be exactly what you need to change your attitude or learn a new lesson. You just need to find the “pearls of wisdom” or "kernels of truth" among the bothersome! Only then will God’s purpose for this moment be discovered!