Bread Bite: Don’t Look at the Troubles

Southern Cancer Center’s “Bread Bite” series shares weekly words of encouragement and inspiration from local area churches. This week’s message is from Pastor Daniel Blaylock of Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile.

Pastor Daniel-

Today’s verse is a strong reminder to think about what we think about: “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT

In life, we can choose to focus on the destination or on the potholes! Focusing on the destination allows us to endure the potholes with patience and resilience. This is true in dealing with a patient’s care, advancing a company project, raising a child, working at a marriage, working in a career field—and it’s true of our spiritual lives as well.

If we’re not careful, the potholes of this life can make us forget the lasting truths that keep us going as Christian believers. Politicians may prove unreliable, but God is faithful. Friends may disappoint us, but God never forsakes us. Even this mortal life will someday come to a close, but we have an eternal home in heaven where we shall ever be with the Lord.

So today there will be potholes—but just because your tire hits one doesn’t mean your mind has to remain stuck in one. Don’t have a mental blowout because one thing (or more than one) goes wrong. Focus on the goal, the destination—and you’ll find more joy in the journey.