Paraphrase of II Corinthians 4:6, 8, 9 and 15-18.

God has commanded light to shine out of darkness, so it may shine in our hearts, that we may give the light of the knowledge of His glory through the radiant face of Jesus. And we have treasures in earthen vessels that lets us know that any power we have is from God’s excellency and not of our own. You may be troubled on every side, yet you need not be distressed. Perplexed; but need be not in despair. Persecuted; know you’re not forsaken. Cast down; and yet you need not be destroyed. For these causes you faint not; though you may perish. Know you have the assurance that if you have faith, your inward self is renewed day by day. Our light afflictions here on earth are for but a moment, and works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight for God’s glory. Always keep in mind that the things which are seen by us are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Sherry