“We do not lose heart. Though we are outwardly wasting away, we are inwardly being renewed day by day—for you will finish the good work you began in us. Our light and momentary troubles will end and be replaced with an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (pp 2Cor.4:16-17; Phil.1:6)
Lord Jesus thank you for this honest and hopeful perspective about life between your resurrection and return. To acknowledge we are “outwardly wasting away” isn’t pessimistic, but realistic. It’s to live with humility, wisdom, and joy towards the Day of all things new.
There has never been a “fountain of youth”—in Florida or anywhere else. But in the Gospel, we have a “fountain of grace”—one that runs deep, sweet, and wide all the way into the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah! Getting older isn’t fun or for the weak of heart, but knowing the Spirit is constantly at work to make us like you changes everything—including our priorities, price tags, and how we weigh stuff.
The Gospel is the only scale that really matters. As Paul states, the blessings of eternal glory far outweigh the “light and momentary troubles” we experience in this life. Help us believe, rest, and rejoice in this good news more than we ever have before. Our best days, years, and forever are in front of us. This isn’t “pie in the sky” it’s grace in our hearts. We groan now but will laugh forever.
Lastly Jesus, thank you for the 3 we’s and the 1 us Paul used in this passage. Knowing you gives us the most endearing and enduring friendships we could ever hope for. Trouble-shared, stress-tested, grace-forged friendships will last forever. We who are growing weaker together in life will be glorified together in the life to come. Hallelujah! This is sweet, exquisite, and so very awesome. So Very Amen.
