Therefore We Do Not Lose Heart

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” ~2 Corinthians 4:15-16

‘Time marches on' - my grandfather used to say this when things were tough. As a child, it didn’t make a lot of sense, but it rings very true now. My mother-in-law often laments that kiddos grow up too fast and should stay babies for a few years. But time does not stop for anyone.

Paul endured much suffering during his ministry: “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.  Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” [2 Corinthians 11:24-28]

These trials took a toll on his body, but he knew that he was completely in God’s hands. He said that no matter what happens to our flesh, INWARDLY WE ARE RENEWED EVERY DAY. That is astounding, isn’t it? Maybe that is why we often feel decades younger.

Jesus Christ was EVERYTHING to Paul. When good things happened to him, he gave the credit to Jesus. When bad things happened, Paul thanked Jesus for allowing him the opportunity re-present His earthly walk.

Jesus was his hope and it should be ours as well. Time marches forward, but Jesus is always before us, beckoning, welcoming, loving. Always.