eternal perspective

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.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

When I heard that Reverend Billy Graham had joined the saints in heaven yesterday, my first thought was how many people were already there waiting for him as a result of his life and ministry.  Every part of his public life was about introducing people to Jesus.  What a glorious calling!  And it's a calling that each of us who already knows Jesus has on our lives. 

Oh, my friends, if we could live with an eternal perspective.  Focusing on the unseen and eternal glory that awaits.  Single-minded in our purpose and not distracted by the light and momentary troubles of this life.  I'll be the first to admit that I can be stalled out by the struggles of my life and as they gain my attention, they seem bigger and bigger.  And before I know it, I lose heart.  I give up and God's plan for me is temporarily thwarted. 

My prayer today is for a new perspective...an eternal perspective.  I will probably never stand on a stage in front of thousands of people and invite them to know my Friend, Jesus.  But, I can love the people in my life with the love of Jesus every day in a way that is specifically suited to me.  God can use me (and you!) to accomplish the same purpose that was so big in Rev. Graham's heart.  We are part of the very same plan!  Are you ready for a change in perspective?