Hard Stuff

For this light momentary affliction

is preparing for us

an eternal weight of glory

    beyond all comparison,

as we look not to the

    things that are seen,

    but to the things

                that are unseen.

For the things that are seen

       are transient,

but the things that are unseen

              are eternal.

              2 Corinthians 4. 17-18

(Hard stuff is not just hard,

but a preparing,

equipping,

strength training,

aligning our hearts,

and sharpening our sight

            and our insight.

God empowers us

   to see in the dark

and to lift weights.

Nothing can compare

    with the glory we will see.)

O LORD,

Help us to experience

       our afflictions

with an endurance that is

    not our own but Yours.

Help us to see that

   we are strengthened by You

step by step

        by faithfulness.

You love us right into

                  Your glory.