The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 136 – Making New Life – Growing As Disciples
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)
Finish Strong
I know that my body is wasting away. Nothing works quite as well as it once did. I have aches and pains like never before. The snap, crackle, and pop of my body reveals something about my age. Who is that old guy looking back at me in the mirror? That could not be me. Well, guess what? It is me. With this realization I could become discouraged. I could give up. That won’t happen. Why is that? Why will you not become discouraged? Why will you not give up and quit? I know what is true. What’s that? What is true? As my body wastes away and basically falls apart on the outside, you are renewing me on the inside. Day by day, your Holy Spirit is doing a work inside me. You are renewing my spirit. You are making me fresh and alive in you. You are filling my life with joy and peace and hope. You are continually changing my perspective. How so? I am no longer captivated by the world and all I see. I know all that is seen today will be gone tomorrow. This life is like a mirage on a sun scorched road just ahead. It’s only here for moment. What will last forever is what I cannot see. What can’t you see? I can’t yet see the life I will have forever in heaven with you. I can’t see the celebration awaiting my arrival in heaven. I can’t see the new and glorious body you have prepared for me. I can’t imagine that my life in heaven, with you, will never end. That thought, makes my head spin. I can’t comprehend all your goodness. The best of this life will not compare with what you have waiting for me in heaven. You are correct. You are right to be encouraged. Keep your heart and mind and eyes focused on me. Keep on living your life fully for me. Run the face of faith with me. Finish strong. Sprint to the end. Cross the finish line with a flourish. Everything that has been difficult or trying or challenging for you in this life will be forgotten in an instant, once you are with me. Heavenly Father, thank you for kindness and mercy and love. I will run the race of faith. I will finish strong. I will sprint to the end until I am with you. That will be very good.
Heavenly Father, even though my outward body is falling apart I will not become discouraged and give up. I know that day by day you are renewing me on the inside. Keep doing your good work in me. Help me to run fast and finish strong in my life of faith in you. Amen
Key Question… Why should you never become discouraged as you age, and your body starts to fall apart?
Living It Out… Keep on moving forward with the Lord so you will finish strong in your life of faith with Him.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will renew you on the inside even as your body falls apart on the outside.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how day by day God has been renewing you on the inside.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you never give up because God is renewing you inside day by day as you love, follow, and serve Him.
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