IMO: You’ll Never Change - Friday
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (NIV)
We began our week with a lesson on Paul, and now we’ll close our week with him as well. Paul was a man who at one point was the greatest persecutor of the church, until he was radically changed by the love of Jesus. Ironically, he went from being the greatest persecutor to perhaps one of the most persecuted disciples. Paul wrote to the Corinthians under the context of his debilitating persecution. Paul makes a bold claim that, through his suffering, he is outwardly wasting away. To the casual spectator, Paul probably appeared in pretty bad shape. Because of all he was forced to endure, his body was likely giving out on him. However, he makes an even bolder claim by stating that he is being inwardly renewed each day.
Each of us is tempted on a daily basis to give in to despair. I do not doubt that each of you reading this is likely enduring some type of hardship. On the outside, it may very well appear that you are not doing well because of it. However, Paul gives a tangible example that although this temporary life is fading, we have a reason to hope. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. Not only that, but because of the hope He gives us, we are being changed from within each day. Every day, we are being made new because of the power of Jesus.
Whatever hardship, suffering, or pain you may be walking through, never forget the hope you have because of the resurrection.
Friday’s Reflection
I invite you to pray this prayer with me this morning: Lord, you know that I am facing ________ right now. However, I will not lose heart because of you, Jesus. Even though I may not see it, I trust that you are renewing my spirit today. In you alone, Jesus, I have hope.
