RENEWED DAY BY DAY
While driving past a fruit stand recently, I was hit with a sudden craving for peaches. Then I remembered I had left some in the fridge. My mouth watered as I dreamed of fresh sliced peaches, baptized in cream.
Upon arriving home, I went straight to the fridge, rummaged around, and pulled out the bowl containing my precious fruit. Imagine my dismay at discovering my culinary gems were covered in mold! I had seriously underestimated the time it takes for fruit to spoil.
Wouldn’t it be nice if peaches grew fresher and sweeter as they aged? A crazy thought—but maybe not as crazy as we think. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul writes, “Even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day” (CEV).
What an amazing picture! Outwardly, we’re all wearing out. (Can I get a witness?) From the moment we’re born, we begin to die. But, here’s the amazing part. If we’re connected to Jesus, we’re aging in reverse. Inwardly we’re growing more youthful, vibrant, and renewed each day.
This brings me such comfort, as I watch Linda struggle with her physical condition. But spiritually? It’s a different picture. Her faith and hope grow stronger. She is being renewed spiritually—from the inside out—formed into the image of Jesus. It’s a profound paradox.
Paul then adds this thought, which is like cream on fresh peaches. “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.” (verses17-18). Now that’s a promise we can grab hold of! In chapter five, he describes how we groan to be clothed in our new bodies, stating, “We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
“Home with the Lord.” I find myself thinking a lot about that these days. It’s the ultimate desire of every believer. To be clothed in a glorified body—one that looks just like Jesus (1 John 3:2). A body that will never age or wear out. If it weren’t for those promises, I would despair. But even in this season of life, filled with struggles, I’m overwhelmed with hope—even joy— as I anticipate what lies ahead.
UPDATE ON LINDA: Linda is very weak. We have assistance from Hospice nurses, who have begun making home visits. In the natural realm, things aren’t so good, but we serve a miracle-working God. One way or another, God will heal her—either in this life or eternity. Linda and I have had some wonderful conversations. I asked Linda if she’s afraid of dying, and she replied, “Not at all—I’m excited. I’m just afraid of suffering.” She’s in a great place spiritually. Please keep praying for her immediate healing.
Principle: Even though our bodies are decaying, spiritually we are being renewed each day.
Ponder:
When do you find yourself reflecting on the fact that your body is wearing out?
What renews you most spiritually?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you that this life is not all there is. Thank you that we have the promise of a renewed body and of being at home with you.