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

Our troubles on this Earth are “momentary.” They may seem like years, but when viewed in the eyes of eternity, they will be a mere blink of an eye. Thank You, Father, for working in my life to renew me and helping me achieve eternal glory!

Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Oh may I have the faith of Mary and believe the Lord will fulfill His promises to me!

2 Corinthians 3:9-11 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! 

Lord, when I feel down, remind me of your everlasting glory. For Your glory is more than we could ever possibly fathom. And when my heart is filled with joy, may I remember that earlthy joy pales in comparison to what I will experience with You in Heaven. Thank You, Father, for Your everlasting love for me!

Luke 1:39, 40 

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

God has prepared people for us to turn to and lean on when we are confused and in crisis. May I be supportive to others at their points of need. 

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 

Satan attempts to use our sins and sorrows to outwit and destroy us. Lord, thank You for forgiveness so that we are saved from the devil and the grips of eternal death.

2 Corinthians 2:7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 

Praise the Lord those who discipline and for second chances!

Luke 1:23-24 When his time of service was completed, Zechariah returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. 

God is true to His promises. 

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 
Life will bring trials and tribulations; some of them extremely severe, but all of them are designed to bring us closer to God in the end. Lord, thank You for Your grace and peace in my life. Amen.

Luke 1:20 “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Unbelief affects my ability to live life as God intends. Father, help me to believe Your words!