“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT)
Sometimes the grind of life can wear us down and discourage us, forcing us to view things simply from a human perspective. As I’m experiencing a weakening of my body the Lord is enabling me to see things in Scripture more clearly, perhaps more personally.
Paul’s words above really spoke to me when he wrote: “So we do not lose heart!” How easy it can be in the weariness of daily existence to give in to the whispers of the enemy that we’re losing ground, when in fact we are making great strides in our forward progress with the Lord. We’re so prone to focus simply on the physical we can easily lose sight of the more vital spiritual dimension of our life.
It seems the less physical strength I have the more insight and intimacy the Lord affords me with Himself. The picture that comes to mind is the small child seeking to hold on to their rising kite as it seeks to find strength in the wind that calls it ever upward.
God is calling us ever upward, child of God. This earth is not our home. And while it seems all that is within us is seeking to ground us in humanity, God is calling us to Himself, to a life of which we can only dream, but must continually pursue.
Our dear brother Ray Majoran gives us insight when he prays: “Glorious God, You fill the heavens with light and the quiet places of our lives with mercy. Day by day, You renew what the world tries to wear down. You are present in the middle of our trials, shaping something far greater than we can yet understand (Romans 8:18). What we count as heavy, You are using to prepare a weight of glory that will outlast every trouble. We praise You for not wasting a single moment.
Please help us to hold fast when our strength fades and our hopes feel thin. Remind us that though our bodies weaken and our plans sometimes fall apart, You are working within us something deeper, more lasting, and more alive (Isaiah 40:29–31). Give us eyes to see what is unseen — not as an escape, but as the promise of what’s ahead (Hebrews 11:1). Train our hearts to value what You value, and to trust that even when the night stretches long, the light is never lost.
By the power of Your Word and Spirit, renew us again today. Make us people who do not lose heart because we know what You are building cannot be compared to what we are facing. To You be all glory.”
Realizing how discouraging a long-term illness or other difficulty can be, may I assure you that the Lord is with you every second and, as hard as it is for us to believe at times, He is working every detail for our good and for His glory.
On my bad days, when it’s hard to even get out of bed, I’m praising the Lord for the gift of prayer, the gift of silence, the gift of stillness, the gift of His voice, His touch, His love, mercy, kindness, grace…and for YOU!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 