A Norvell Note
February 13, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 06
Hard Times and Small Potatoes
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, New International Version)
I was reminded of these words by a man wasting away and his physical world falling apart. I read more.
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, The Message)
I believe these words, I have taught these words, and I have preached these words. I have written about these words and shared them with many of you. However, sometimes I find it challenging to live as if troubles are “light and momentary” and the “hard times are small potatoes.”
Hard times do not seem like small potatoes when I talk with a husband who watches his wife slowly wasting away, and she feels like his world is falling apart.
Troubles do not feel light or momentary to the couple trying to keep their marriage together when they feel like their world is falling apart.
It’s hard to convince the young lady that being single and pregnant is all small potatoes. It’s equally difficult to convince her parents.
Light and momentary troubles do not seem to fit a friend who has lived a long, good life but now wonders if his life has any real meaning.
The daughter caring for her aged mother is not likely to say, “Ah, this is small potatoes.”
If you listen to parents in NICU, you are not likely to hear parents saying, “No worries. These are light and momentary troubles.”
Hard times and troubles come to all of us. There are times when we can focus on the things above, realize that our crisis is temporary, and live confidently that better days are ahead. But, unfortunately, there are other times when it is not so easy. Either way, we hang on and do not lose heart. We do not give up.
Here are two suggestions for helping people get through hard times.
First, remember that the person going through difficult times may be unable to view them as small potatoes. Listen to them. Do not tell them to get over it, it’s no big deal, or it could be worse.
Second, when you’re going through troubles, be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace. There is a reason they are called hard times. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Then, listen to this song and watch this video by Matthew West. It may help you keep going one more day. Wonderful Life
Tom
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