“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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 ‭4:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perspective is everything! When we set our affections on the things of eternity and not on things of the this fallen world, we can find the courage and determination to finish the race. Where we are going is more important than where we have been or where we are now. What lies ahead far outweighs the temporary struggles of this life. Don't get caught up in the temporary thrills and pleasures of this life, they will only last momentarily. The joy our hearts long for is found in Jesus and Jesus alone. What He has gone to prepare for us is much greater than what we now experience. In John 14:1-3 Jesus said this: ““Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” NLT‬‬

If we could steal one brief glimpse of the eternal heaven we would lose all worries and troubles of this world. This isn't just hyperbole and sensationalism. My brothers and sisters, it is the absolute truth. Live to live again. Give up what you can't keep to gain what you can't lose. The best isn't behind you. The best is ahead of you.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me live life with the eternal perspective. Only then can I find the hope, joy, courage, and determination to finish well.