An Eternal Glory
“Just like a marathon runner who must push through the pain to arrive at the finish line, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, realizing that eternal life in His presence is both our ultimate goal and joyful reward.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
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.
Reflection
My husband is an active 70+ years old. He enjoys hiking and camping, consulting and teaching part time, working outside in the yard and on various projects, and volunteering at The Tree. Recently, he told me he still feels young on the inside, certainly not like a man in his seventies! But there are days when he sees his reflection in a mirror and suddenly, he is faced with the reality that his body is indeed aging. Then, it becomes a struggle to ignore that outer vision of himself. So, he chooses not to dwell on the external image he sees in the mirror. Instead, he chooses to listen to the inner voice that is telling him that he is still young, strong, and capable.
Transient…ephemeral…fleeting…momentary…transitory
These are all words that describe our time here on earth, compared to the eternal and glorious future that awaits us through our spiritual relationship with God. Yes, our physical bodies are wearing out and breaking down. Many of us face debilitating diseases and other physical trials that can leave us feeling discouraged or even hopeless.
But Paul reminds us not to dwell on the things that weigh us down, for they are:
Just a blink…a flash…a flicker…a fleeting moment
Paul, even while in prison and experiencing his own trials and pain, encourages us to concentrate on the inner strength we have, the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit living in us (Ephesians 3:16). Just like a marathon runner who must push through the pain to arrive at the finish line, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, realizing that eternal life in His presence is both our ultimate goal and joyful reward.
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me just as I am. Help me to depend on You daily for my strength and renewal. Thank You for being with me through all my trials and weak moments. Help me to always lean on You when I am feeling discouraged or defeated. I am so looking forward to being eternally in Your presence. Amen.
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.
Reflection
My husband is an active 70+ years old. He enjoys hiking and camping, consulting and teaching part time, working outside in the yard and on various projects, and volunteering at The Tree. Recently, he told me he still feels young on the inside, certainly not like a man in his seventies! But there are days when he sees his reflection in a mirror and suddenly, he is faced with the reality that his body is indeed aging. Then, it becomes a struggle to ignore that outer vision of himself. So, he chooses not to dwell on the external image he sees in the mirror. Instead, he chooses to listen to the inner voice that is telling him that he is still young, strong, and capable.
Transient…ephemeral…fleeting…momentary…transitory
These are all words that describe our time here on earth, compared to the eternal and glorious future that awaits us through our spiritual relationship with God. Yes, our physical bodies are wearing out and breaking down. Many of us face debilitating diseases and other physical trials that can leave us feeling discouraged or even hopeless.
But Paul reminds us not to dwell on the things that weigh us down, for they are:
Just a blink…a flash…a flicker…a fleeting moment
Paul, even while in prison and experiencing his own trials and pain, encourages us to concentrate on the inner strength we have, the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit living in us (Ephesians 3:16). Just like a marathon runner who must push through the pain to arrive at the finish line, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, realizing that eternal life in His presence is both our ultimate goal and joyful reward.
Action Steps
- Look at yourself in a mirror. Who do you see? Step back from the mirror and concentrate not on what you see on the outside, but who you want to be on the inside. Ask God to help you see your inner strength that comes from knowing Him.
- Take time to listen to the song “The Hurt And The Healer” by MercyMe. Reflect on any pain you may be experiencing, then compare it to the promise of eternal life that God has in store for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me just as I am. Help me to depend on You daily for my strength and renewal. Thank You for being with me through all my trials and weak moments. Help me to always lean on You when I am feeling discouraged or defeated. I am so looking forward to being eternally in Your presence. Amen.
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