Who Is Making The Best Of It

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.

I CLIMBED DOWN THE LADDER on my covered patio in the backyard and reached for the next portion of the strand of lights I was stringing across the ceiling. Then my oldest helped me arrange comfortable chairs, and my younger two kids helped make a “red velvet rope” from construction paper to indicate where the line would form for movie snacks. It was spring 2020, and we were stuck at home.

With theaters closed, we decided to make our own fun movie experience. We hung lights. We opened the kitchen window so we could pretend to purchase soda, popcorn, and other treats from the concession stand. Then we waited for the sun to go down. That night, in the middle of personal loss, sickness, and sadness, we made an intentional moment for joy and watched a movie on the back patio. That entire season of life was one of tightrope walking the line between discouragement and hope. But we repeatedly asked the Lord to help us make the best of it.

Paul in all of his hardships and sufferings had much to say about the temporary nature of all that we know...

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.

Momma, you already know that Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The truth is, we have an eternal hope that carries us even when life around us seems to be falling apart. We have an eternal hope that someday all these temporary trials and tribulations will pass away. Someday we all will be with Jesus in perfection and there will be no more need to persevere.

It is only in this lifetime that we have the opportunity to praise and worship God even in the middle of struggle or suffering. He can turn mourning into dancing and sadness into joy when we fix our eyes on His presence amidst the problem. What situation do you need to praise Him through today? In what ways can you make the best of any tough situation you face?

Tonight we pray for the momma who is making the best of it. Lord, it might not be perfect . . . in fact, it might be far from perfect, but it’s the best it can be, and she is keeping a positive attitude about it. Well, she’s trying her hardest to keep a positive attitude about it. Lord, until it all changes or settles into what it will be, help her to remain hopeful. Help her show her kids how to look on the bright side. Help her cling to the promise of better days ahead. And give her strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Lord God, as I wait expectantly for Your good plans to be revealed, please give me a mindset that . . .