A simple truth that we all will face … our bodies decline. Eventually whether it is our body or our mind, that what has given us a wonderful life, will fail us. But I am not just being morbid. There is comfort.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 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 v 16-18)
Paul knew it. He experienced beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments and was persecuted for much of his Christian life. However, Paul has discovered that what is happening inwardly, in his spirit, can continue to grow even as his body declines.
Secondly, when we view our difficulties through the lens of eternity and not just pain we realise that they are temporary and not as heavy as we first thought. The importance is our sight. What are we actually seeing? If our eyes are focused on our eternal home then what can suffering do to us?
Someone texted me overnight, part of which said this, “Please don’t be discouraged by what’s around you …” a beautiful message which I also want to say to anyone who is reading this short devotion: please don’t be discouraged by what’s around you … do not lose heart!
Missions Paul 