2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Therefore 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.
Why did Paul say "therefore we do not lose heart"? It is a result of knowing that "we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us," as stated back in verse 7. As human beings living on earth, our bodies are indeed "wasting away." Several years ago I led a group a youth from church to a camping trip, and I realized that my physical condition was really nothing like when I was young. I like reading Psalm 73:26, which says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Our days on earth and every around us will come and go; throughout our lifetime, only God can forever become the strength and blessing inside our hearts. That's why Paul said that "we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." Don't be troubled by the decline of your own physical condition, and don't complain about the circumstance you are in, just look upon God and praise Him! God will renew you day by day, because He will always be your strength. Even though our bodies are wasting away, our hearts can be renewed by God daily. That's why Paul can overlook his difficult circumstances and say that "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Did you know that every trouble and setback can lead you before God, and you can accomplish "eternal glory" because of Him? Very often God will use temporary hardship to shape and build up our lives so that we can become more like Jesus Christ. When the eyes of our souls are uplifted to sit on the throne with Him, we can overcome the circumstance of our surrounding. Do you feel that you are trapped by the enemy coming from all sides? We need to proclaim by faith that our hearts will be renewed day by day. The enemy cannot defeat us and the world cannot devour us, because the Lord's presence is inside you and I. When we make such proclamation in faith, God will lead us to claim victory each and every day.
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, I thank you because even though our bodies are wasting away, you are still the strength in our hearts, and you also give us strength daily, especially today! Help us to meet our challenge today, and to strengthen us before the enemy so that we can proclaim victory against it. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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