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.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
While we joke about growing older, the challenges of aging are tough. We realize our mortality. Our bodies can betray us. We can't do what we once could do. As Christians, we know that our aging actually brings us closer to home and to the time when Jesus gives us immortal bodies not subject to decay. God can help us use these physical realities to be heavenly reminders of what is important. With the help of His Spirit, we can be transformed to be more like our Savior and to be more ready for our heavenly home. When we look around this world, we see brokenness. We see sadness. We see trouble. We see people treating one another badly. It is easy to get bogged down in all this and to lose heart. There is a reason that God tells us not to focus on that which is seen. The thing is, all that is seen is temporary. Instead, we focus on the unseen, we focus on eternity. We have an eternal perspective. We do not put all our mental energy into the temporary. This is so easy to say, but so difficult to put into practice. However, when you are able to, it is so freeing. We are not to become discouraged or anxious. We are not to allow ourselves to become wearied or fearful. Although our physical bodies are growing older and we notice that our outer man is progressively decaying and wasting away, nevertheless, our inner self is being renewed day after day. The new life we received at salvation is being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, as we mature in the faith, grow in grace, and gain a more intimate knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Too often in our lives, even us a Christians, the cares of this world, pain, suffering, persecution, struggles, and uncertainties can cause us to grow weary in doing what God commands and expects of us. Paul is not trying to downplay the reality of pain and suffering but what He is saying to us is yes pain and suffering is real if viewed from an earthly perspective, and at times may seem more than we can bare. When trials of life is viewed from the lens of eternity by faith through the Word of God we will see that they are only temporary, even though painful at the present time. The spiritual/mental goal today is not to view your pain and suffering as it is pleasurable or that it don’t exist, but for us to bring our temporary earthly suffering in comparison to God’s heavenly glory that will be revealed in us when Christ returns, for it is that place where we will be strengthened. Yes, our hope in Christ gives us strength. There are unseen things, as well as things that are seen. And there is this vast difference between them, unseen things are eternal, seen things but temporal, or temporary only. Let us then look off from the things which are seen, let us cease to seek for worldly advantages, or to fear present distresses. Let us give diligence to make our future happiness sure in Christ’s hope!!!
Father thank You for this day and what a wonderful hope we have in Christ that, day by day, we are being renewed in our inner man, even though we can see our outward body is growing older and deteriorating. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord thank You for our present privileged position in You and for the glorious future destiny we have in heaven. Lord we pray that we will not lose heart as we see our outer man decaying, but will stand strong in the faith and press on for the upward call of God in You. Lord use my friend to be the salt and light to this dark decaying world. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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