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| October 5, 2001 |
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| "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2Corinthians 4:15-18 As we grow older, we sort of begin to die out as far as our body is concerned. However, we grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. Our physical bodies seem to waste away, but the inward man is renewed day by day. I feel closer to the Lord with each passing day! Paul had faced suffering, trials, and distress as he preached the Good News. But he knew that they would one day be over, and he would obtain rest and rewards through God. As we face trouble, trials, and tribulations, we easily focus on the pain, rather than the goal set before us. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we, too, must focus on the reward for our faith and joy that lasts forever. No matter what we may face here on earth, we have the assurance of eternal life, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away. When we begin to measure our trouble by the weight of glory that is coming someday, it is a light affliction compared to that weight of glory. ". . . we spend our years as a tale that is told" (Psalm 90:9) Our years pass as ". . . a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4) "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Everything we see here is passing away ~ what we don't see is eternal! Thank the Lord! I love living here in the Carolina's ~ better known as God's country ~ but I can honestly say, "I'm looking forward for a city with streets of gold, eternal life, no pain, no suffering and so much love to share!" How about you? Application: It's so easy to lose heart and quit when pain and suffering hit us hard. But remember Paul, and his inner strength provided through the Holy Spirit. God provides us with this same inner strength when we put our faith and trust in Him. Someday He will be taking us to that new city to be with Him ~ and what a glorious trip that will be! We won't need to worry about what to pack, or what to wear ~ just have a pure heart with love for Jesus, and you're there! So don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of trials and pain you are having today, but allow that very weakness the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment. May God bless you with a wonderful day as you renew your strength through the power of the Holy Spirit, with the blessed hope of eternal life with Jesus. Love in Christ, Sandy |