For which cause we faint not; but though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.–2 Corinthians 4:16
As we are outwardly wasting away, inwardly we are renewed day by day. It’s good that something good is happening. We can all use a little good news from time to time. And this is great news!
In spite of all the new meds, a healthy diet, exercise, and regular check-ups, our bodies are in a state of degeneration. There is no fountain of youth. We are all affected by the curse that resulted from Adam’s sin. We can’t escape sickness and suffering, but there are some things we can do to endure it. We can be encouraged by the fact that although the “outward man” is perishing, the inward man is unharmed and even increased in beauty and strength. I love this story told by J. R. Miller:
A poor shoemaker in his dreary little shop in a great city, one day noticed that there was one little place in his dark room, from which he could get a view of green fields, blue skies and faraway hills. He wisely set up his bench at that point, so that at any moment he could lift his eyes from his dull work — and have a glimpse of the great, beautiful world outside.
Just so, from the darkest sick-room, and from the midst of the keenest sufferings, there is always a point from which we can see the face of Christ and have a glimpse of the glory of heaven. If only we will find this place and get this vision——–
Sickness is discouraging and is hard to bear. But we should remember that the doing of the will of God is always the noblest, holiest thing we can do any hour — however hard it may be for us. If we are called to suffer — let us suffer patiently and sweetly. Under all our sharp trials — let us keep the peace of God in our hearts. The outward man may indeed decay — but the inward man will be renewed day by day.
So then, my dear friend be encouraged by this glorious truth:”For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.”—2 Corinthians 5:1-2. Let this truth be the window in the the dark room of your difficult days and it give you a new perspective on your problems.
