2 Corinthians 4:18 Devotional

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 4:18

“Lord, just give me a sign!”

Have you ever cried out that simple prayer in a time of desperation or frustration?

The new believers who lived in the city of Corinth often struggled to understand their faith in Jesus without seeing Him in their midst. The amazing stories that came from the disciples of Jesus’s miracles for them were only that – stories. When it became difficult to be a Christian in a pagan world, would these stories of Jesus’s truth keep them faithful? Why won’t God just give them a sign to help them believe?

In his letter of encouragement, Paul reminded the Corinthians of something Jesus Himself once told someone in the crowd who asked for a sign:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29

Jesus Himself promised that those who held true to their faith in Him even though they didn’t see a sign or miracle in His presence would be truly blessed. Paul desired to encourage his sons and daughters in the faith that even though they could not see Jesus in their midst, He was there working in mighty ways. If they held firm in their faith, one day they would see the unseen in its full glory and receive a great reward for their faithfulness!

How true is this statement for us today? In a dark and evil world, it can seem difficult to follow God and trust Jesus when we feel alone and scared. What if God was giving us a sign, but it looked different than we could ever expect? In His Word, God has made known all that we need to trust and obey His will. If we will place our faith in the unseen, we will find that the Spirit of God gives us grace and trust in even the darkest moments. Jesus is there – we just have to believe the unseen!

Questions For Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:18

#1 Do you ever wonder if God is truly there in your world? What are some ways that you wish He would show Himself to you so that you could have stronger faith? What if He is already showing Himself, but you aren’t looking in the right places?

#2 When you struggle with times of unbelief, do you ever go back to God’s Word and the church for hope and encouragement? Paul reminded the Corinthians that when they doubted they should go back to God’s promises in scripture. Have you spent time in God’s Word lately?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to trust that You are true and that You are there. There are so many moments that cause me to doubt and fear that You are not with me. Yet I read today that “blessed are those who believe even when they don’t see.” Help me to see You in the ways that show Your love and glory in everyday life, and help me to be the one who shows You exist to those who doubt as well.