Never Give Up, Though Our Bodies Are Dying, Our Spirits are Being Renewed Every Day

2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
”‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭NKJV‬
‬https://www.bible.com/114/2co.4.16-18.nkj

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It is easy to lose heart and give up as we face trials and troubles day after day. It can seem like we are on a rollercoaster going up and down and round and round the “same old” day after day; as soon as one trial passes, another falls upon us.
Whether in our relationships, our work, or education, or in our health or ministry, painful challenges will come.
It was no different for Paul; he faced persecution after persecution: He was seized, dragged out of the Temple and beaten and then bound in chains. He had to be carried because the violence of the mob was so great (ACTS 21:27-36). He was arrested time after time (ACTS 21:33; 22:24; 31-35; 28:16); he faced accusation after accusation (ACTS 21:34; 22:30; 24:1-2; 25:2; 7; 28:4), and faced interrogation after interrogation (ACTS 25:24-27); he was ridiculed (ACT 26:24), shipwrecked (ACTS 27:41), and bitten by a viper 28:3), furthermore, he was most likely put to death for his service to the Lord.
Though it’s not certain how Paul died, the most commonly accepted one comes from the writings of Eusebius, an early church historian. Eusebius claimed that Paul was beheaded at the order of the Roman emperor Nero or one of his subordinates. Paul’s martyrdom occurred shortly after much of Rome burned in a fire—an event that Nero blamed on the Christians. But even in death he won his race (2 Timothy 4:6-7).
Paul never gave up, rather than quitting, he called upon the Holy Spirit for inner strength to carry him through the trauma placed upon him (EPHESIANS 3:16).
We like Paul, should not allow our troubles to crush our faith or disillusion us. But rather call upon our inner strength that comes from the Holy Spirit in us to lead us to victory through every situation.
That inner strength by the way, comes from God’s supernatural power; the same power that created all things and raised Christ from the dead.
We believers need to understand that there is real purpose in our suffering. They remind us of Christ suffering; they expose our weaknesses; they keep us from pride; they cause us to look beyond this temporary life; and they give us opportunity to demonstrate His power.
James tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
The truth is, this life is but temporary, and truly I tell you, the best is yet to come.
Our ultimate hope when facing such traumatic circumstances, such as persecution, troubles or pain is the reality that this life is not all there is.
Though we believers are living in a battle ground, we have a wonderful future ahead of us. “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
My brethren, that is a future well worth waiting for.
Focus on the future, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
I encourage you, whatever circumstance you are facing today, God knows about it, and wants to help you. He will use it for your good (ROMANS 8:28).
My brothers and sisters in Christ, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (PHILIPPIANS 4:13).
Jesus Himself told us, ““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:12-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
The truth is, ““Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
My brethren, as you go through the firery trials of our every day lives in Christ, rejoice because Christ is there too! Furthermore, the flames won’t touch you, nor even the garments you wear; not even the smoke will leave its smell on you, for Christ is with you through it all (DANIEL 3:19-30).
Nothing is too big or small for God. No matter how impossible your situation, it is possible with Christ (LUKE 1:37; MATHEW 19:26; MARK 10:27)).
But, there is nothing good in suffering for one’s own sin, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2:20-25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.