One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:
“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.”
Each one of us are tempted at times to lose heart; to become discouraged over the painful reality of the fallen nature which has plagued our existence with the fear of tornadoes, disease, economic depressions, etc. Not only does the terror of fallen nature rattle the cage of our hearts, but also fallen mankind which has declared good evil and evil good, and causes devastating war, school shootings, innocent mothers killed by drunk drivers, etc.
Why does this happen? Will it ever come to an end? Where is God? Why won’t He intervene in a world gone mad?
The fact of the matter is that it all WILL come to an end. God will set all things right and make all things new.
In the meantime, however, Pau I gives us the secret through inspired Scripture of how not to lose heart in a sin-filled world. Even though our outer self (our fleshly existence which is being destroyed by the fallen nature and fallen mankind) is wasting away, our inner self (our new existence in Jesus which enables us to live in fellowship with God) is being renewed each and every day.
The God that knows our pain and trouble looks upon us with compassion and mercy, and when we empty ourselves of selfish pride, and look desperately to Him as the source of our sufficiency, He works inside our broken and contrite spirits, giving us the motivation and strength we need each day to live a life pleasing to Him even during life’s darkest moments.
Living by faith in the renewing power of God helps us to see our affliction from the fallen nature and fallen man as “momentary” and “light” in comparison to the eternal weight of glory. We are a people who look not to the transient things of this world for confidence and assurance, but to the powerful things unseen which are eternal.
Therefore, don’t lose heart. Preach the promise of God’s ever renewing presence to yourself each morning, and live by faith not by sight. God knows your pain and He cares; surrender to and trust in Him.
-Keith
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