“Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
New Years tends to make us step back and reflect on our lives. I paused in front of the mirror this morning and stared at a reflection looking back at me. I could hardly recognize the guy in the mirror. He was so different now, than he was just a few short years ago. Illness and depression had left their marks on him. Stress, worry, and pain had caused lines, blemish, and distress to his skin. His body was riddled with scars from wars and battles fought. What stared back at me was a man, older than his years, out of shape and obese because of years of bad eating decisions and poor exercise habits. Time was slowly draining my youth. A New Year means slipping time. A faster beating clock. Days will turn into weeks, and weeks into months, and before we know it another year will have passed us by. As I stared at this stranger in the mirror, it became so apparent to me that my outer body was wasting away. With this realization, how can one help but to lose heart.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16, that to age in this earthly body is to draw closer to the Spiritual body we will soon have in heaven for all of eternity. This human body we live in now is so frail and weak. Yes, we can (and should) make resolutions to exercise and diet, trying to make our life healthier and longer. However, we are all in the process of dying; that is a part of the cycle of life. We live under so much pressure, perplexity, persecution, and pain in this world. This is a cruel, dark world in the face of suffering. But, despite all of this, there is a way to know that Christ is alive and working through us. This is called Hope!
We cannot expect a world without pain and sorrow. Even our Lord suffered tremendously while He was here on earth in the human flesh, but the scriptures remind us that this life is but a moment compared to the eternity God has waiting for us. Earthly life is just a flicker. Just a fraction of reflection compared to Grace. Through the suffering, we should focus our eyes and gaze at the image of Christ in the invisible, eternal world to come, so that we can reflect the image of God to the world.
This material and temporary world is so painful. We need to grasp to the “hope” of a Savior who loves and cares for us. A Father who will hold us and carry us through the trials.This hope gives us the confidence to face life’s threats and problems.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we will all probably make a few resolutions. Some of us will resolve to be better husbands or wives, better parents. We will resolve to eat better, make smarter choices, spend more time at the gym. Some of us will resolve to be better leaders, better communicators, better employees or employers. Many of us will forget to resolve to be better followers. Let's focus on growing healthier in our spiritual walk. My prayer today is that you will grasp to hope, and will see the inner reflection today of a “Child-of the KING” and draw strength from the image of Christ. Draw closer to him. Spend time in the word of God. Spend time in prayer. Resolve to get to know HIM better. Don't forget, you are so precious and so loved! This year resolve to bring Hope to the world around you, by being a reflection of the image of the KING.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help us to “carry-on” in this coming New Year. Help us to grasp the reins of hope. When we look at the reflections of our lives, helps us to see what awaits us in eternity, not what has passed. Thank you Lord for your strength and wisdom in all things! Amen.
New Years tends to make us step back and reflect on our lives. I paused in front of the mirror this morning and stared at a reflection looking back at me. I could hardly recognize the guy in the mirror. He was so different now, than he was just a few short years ago. Illness and depression had left their marks on him. Stress, worry, and pain had caused lines, blemish, and distress to his skin. His body was riddled with scars from wars and battles fought. What stared back at me was a man, older than his years, out of shape and obese because of years of bad eating decisions and poor exercise habits. Time was slowly draining my youth. A New Year means slipping time. A faster beating clock. Days will turn into weeks, and weeks into months, and before we know it another year will have passed us by. As I stared at this stranger in the mirror, it became so apparent to me that my outer body was wasting away. With this realization, how can one help but to lose heart.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16, that to age in this earthly body is to draw closer to the Spiritual body we will soon have in heaven for all of eternity. This human body we live in now is so frail and weak. Yes, we can (and should) make resolutions to exercise and diet, trying to make our life healthier and longer. However, we are all in the process of dying; that is a part of the cycle of life. We live under so much pressure, perplexity, persecution, and pain in this world. This is a cruel, dark world in the face of suffering. But, despite all of this, there is a way to know that Christ is alive and working through us. This is called Hope!
We cannot expect a world without pain and sorrow. Even our Lord suffered tremendously while He was here on earth in the human flesh, but the scriptures remind us that this life is but a moment compared to the eternity God has waiting for us. Earthly life is just a flicker. Just a fraction of reflection compared to Grace. Through the suffering, we should focus our eyes and gaze at the image of Christ in the invisible, eternal world to come, so that we can reflect the image of God to the world.
This material and temporary world is so painful. We need to grasp to the “hope” of a Savior who loves and cares for us. A Father who will hold us and carry us through the trials.This hope gives us the confidence to face life’s threats and problems.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we will all probably make a few resolutions. Some of us will resolve to be better husbands or wives, better parents. We will resolve to eat better, make smarter choices, spend more time at the gym. Some of us will resolve to be better leaders, better communicators, better employees or employers. Many of us will forget to resolve to be better followers. Let's focus on growing healthier in our spiritual walk. My prayer today is that you will grasp to hope, and will see the inner reflection today of a “Child-of the KING” and draw strength from the image of Christ. Draw closer to him. Spend time in the word of God. Spend time in prayer. Resolve to get to know HIM better. Don't forget, you are so precious and so loved! This year resolve to bring Hope to the world around you, by being a reflection of the image of the KING.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help us to “carry-on” in this coming New Year. Help us to grasp the reins of hope. When we look at the reflections of our lives, helps us to see what awaits us in eternity, not what has passed. Thank you Lord for your strength and wisdom in all things! Amen.
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