2 Cor. 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
It is easy to look at the circumstances around us today and get discouraged. We are bombarded daily with negative images from the news media, popular culture and the people around us. If you're not careful, you will begin to magnify the problems around you more than you magnify God. Of course, God is omnipotent. However, your perception of Him will determine the degree of His power in your life.
The Israelites were a case study in how the wrong attitude will affect your outcome in life. They saw God's miraculous intervention repeatedly. Yet when facing affliction, they forgot the God of Israel. They created a culture of complaint. Sound familiar? God called their words evil. Only two out of the company of people had a positive report... Joshua and Caleb. They chose to magnify God instead of the circumstances. The complainers died in the desert, never having received the promise. Only their offspring, along with Joshua and Caleb, entered the promised land.
Paul is a perfect example of a person not influenced by circumstances. Through hunger, beatings, imprisonment and persecution Paul maintained his winning attitude. It must have been a slap to the face of the enemy when he referred to his sufferings as "light afflictions!" Paul understood that every obstacle we face is only temporary. The reward is always forthcoming. Don't get so tunnel-visioned on circumstances that you forget the big picture. You are a winner, a citizen of an eternal kingdom that is not influenced by this world. You have a part to play in eternity. This is a drop in the bucket compared to the vastness of infinity.
I challenge you, get your eyes off your troubles and get them on Jesus. He is our example. He is the light at the end of the tunnel. Stop complaining. Create an atmosphere conducive to God's blessing by speaking right words- words of victory and not defeat. You are the prophet of your own life. See your future. Speak your future. Act like you've already won. This is the lifestyle of an overcomer.
