Brian writes and asks this, Pastor John, I was very encouraged by your message at the

Legacy Conference on 2 Corinthians 4, 16, through 18.

My question is about light, momentary affliction.

Does this affliction include my own sinfulness or only the sins done against me?

The sin in my life that tears me down and hurts others is that affliction that is preparing

for me an eternal weight of glory?

Also, what about less noble things like my team losing a football game?

If my heart feels sad that we lost, is that an affliction that is producing for me an

eternal weight of glory?

You know, I have to say, Tony, at the beginning of this question, I am so thankful I get

to do this because that's a real question.

I mean, it may make us laugh at first that somebody would ask about the loss of ball

game and the affliction that works in a short way, but that's exactly where we live.

That's exactly the kind of question that people have and I just love that question, frankly.

So let me try to tackle it in two halves.

The sin question and then the loss of the ball game.

Do my sins and their consequences become a part of the affliction that works an eternal

weight of glory for me according to 2 Corinthians?

Three observations, number one.

God may use our sins to bring us to the end of ourselves and make us despair of anything

but him.

Just like in 2 Corinthians 1, 8, it's not talking about Paul's sin, but it's the way God works.

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