Have you ever had a conversation with someone and you were sharing the Gospel?  While you were talking, you told them the only way to accept Jesus Christ is through faith. Once you said this, they raised this question, what is faith? Now you have to elaborate on what faith is, and how it is a necessity in your life. You want them to know the impact faith has on your life. The only reason you are still here and continue to function from day to day is through the blessings of the Lord. Why, because you have made the decision to believe in Him, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. No, it has not been easy, and there have been some obstacles along the way. You have made the decision to trust in the Lord no matter what is going on around you. In essence you have made the decision to move forward in faith, knowing the Lord will take care of you.

 In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul is sharing words of encouragement with the saints in Corinth. They were dealing with the struggles of being believers in Jesus Christ. By making this decision, It has caused them to be at odds with those around them. When this happens it can cause you to become discouraged and lose focus on what you are called to do. Paul wanted them to know their current afflictions were preparing them for the eternal glory that was in store for them. When you are doing the will of the Lord, you can expect some people to disagree with your actions. However, you will not stop doing the work, because it will have an eternal impact. In essence you have to know there will be obstacles, and they are there to get your attention. Paul wants you to know they are temporary and will not last. Therefore, they will not take your attention away from what is eternal. In order for this to happen, you cannot waver in your faith, but remain focused on the eternal reward.  I want you to know doing the Lord’s will is not easy, but is required. Think about this, do you think it was easy for Jesus to be crucified on the cross for your sins? 
He had to overcome a number of obstacles in order to make it happen, and He knew they were temporary. After being crucified, He was resurrected early on Sunday morning. To let us know death is temporary. This is what you have to understand, your ministry will have an eternal impact. Therefore, you will not allow that which is temporary to get your attention. Continue to walk in your blessings!