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.
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul urges us to fix our eyes on what is unseen, not on what is seen. What we see lasts only for a moment, but what is unseen endures forever (2 Corinthians 4:18). He continues this profound thought in chapter 5, verse 1: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” Paul reveals a powerful mystery for us as believers to embrace.
In the latter part of chapter 4, Paul describes the challenges believers face and makes it clear that these belong to our inheritance in Christ. They are not random obstacles but part of the journey of faith. Despite their severity, Paul refuses to lose heart and encourages others to do the same. Though they waste away outwardly, and their trials press heavily on them, their focus remains steadfast.
More importantly, Paul explains that while they suffer in the flesh, they refuse to fix their eyes on the visible. They will not lose faith due to the momentary pain because it will soon pass away. Even their fragile, suffering bodies belong to the temporary. Yet something greater stands eternal. It remains unseen, yet it endures forever. Their eyes rest firmly on this unseen reality.
Paul teaches that endurance flows from what they know. Their faith gives them knowledge that sustains their actions. They know by faith—not because they have already seen the other side, but because they believe. They live utterly convinced of the truth God revealed to them. That is why Paul confidently declares: “We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
This conviction drives them to endure every pain, challenge, and hardship in the flesh. They never shy away from beatings, hunger, or trials. Instead, they stay focused, deliberate, and intentional. Nothing shakes them because their gaze remains fixed on the eternal building from God.
We, too, must set our eyes on this truth. No matter what we endure for the sake of the Gospel, we cannot lose hope. Something far greater awaits us—something death itself cannot touch. Everyone who holds this hope works faithfully to remain in it. Even as our bodies weaken, hope anchors us in the promise that God has prepared an eternal dwelling for us.
Living It Out
What challenges are pulling your eyes away from God’s eternal promises? Lift your gaze from temporary struggles and fix it on the unseen, eternal reality of God’s love and provision. Every hardship draws you closer to the eternal house He has already prepared for you.