“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.” 2 Cor. 4:16-17
Dear Jesus, I have loved this passage for decades. It’s one of the most honest, realistic, and hopeful perspectives about life between your resurrection and return. To say “outwardly we are wasting away” isn’t being pessimistic or showing a lack of faith. It’s to live with humility and joy, in view of the Day when these aging bodies of ours will be raised in perfection, never to wear out again. Hallelujah!
There’s never been a “fountain of youth,” but in the Gospel there is a “fountain of grace,” and it’s deeper and sweeter than every need we have. It guarantees that right now “inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Our Father began a work in us that he will complete when you return, Jesus (Phil. 1:6). This is why we don’t lose heart. If we only look at our “outward wasting away,” we will most definitely lose heart—growing harder, not more kind.
Getting older and weaker isn’t fun at all, And as of yesterday, I can now officially add a positive COVID test to my list of “light and momentary troubles.” As in every challenge, Jesus, help me stay focused on you. Stewarding little and bigger difficulties doesn’t earn us anything. The Gospel put an end to all earning.
But stewarding seasons of “momentary troubles” can certainly make us more gentle, humble, and compassionate. That’s the guy I want to be, Jesus, more and more. So Very Amen.
