April 11, 2018
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I’ve discovered that as I get older, I am sick much more often. I remember the days of being one of those indestructible young men; never getting sick even when I ran myself ragged. But lately, when someone around me gets sick the chances are better and better that I will get sick as well. And when I’m sick, I am a big baby. Because of that, I am completely amazed with the strength of those who face serious illnesses. Well, believe it or not, God has purpose even in sickness.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 gives us one of God’s purposes. When we look at the deteriorating world around us, and at our own deteriorating bodies, it is easy to lose heart. I have yet to meet a person who is getting younger and stronger with each passing day. This fact, though, should not dishearten us, but instead it should serve to remind us of the powerful contrast between what is seen and what is unseen. It is easy, especially in good and healthy times, to forget the Kingdom we actually belong to. We can easily get caught up in all the trappings of this temporary world. But trials, troubles, and sickness serve to fix our eyes on the powerful, imperishable, eternal love of God and our privileged place as children in His Kingdom.
Heavenly Father, please give us the maturity to face sickness and trials filled with the truth that we belong to a perfect, imperishable Kingdom.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon
