Time Should Not Define Us
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “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 (NIV)
We lament the aches and pains, the thinning hair and the stranger’s face in our mirror - All outward signs of our decline. However, we can take great joy in our maturing souls, which cannot be seen by others, but are being renewed, revived and increased with the light and truth of God each day. It’s good medicine against our fears to discover that as the body decays, the soul grows young and is invigorated.
Since time determines our lives, we can’t think in terms of eternity. How can we understand that our suffering, or our decidedly difficult trial means so little in relation to our position as redeemed children of God? Once we are relieved of our difficulty and can look back on it, doesn't it get smaller and smaller as time passes? Things burden us so much in the present because we are unable to grasp the perspective of this time in relation to forever. As blessed believers, we are not temporary - Only our trials are.
Today’s meditation: Receive affliction without murmur.
Memory Verse: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “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 (NIV)
We lament the aches and pains, the thinning hair and the stranger’s face in our mirror - All outward signs of our decline. However, we can take great joy in our maturing souls, which cannot be seen by others, but are being renewed, revived and increased with the light and truth of God each day. It’s good medicine against our fears to discover that as the body decays, the soul grows young and is invigorated.
Since time determines our lives, we can’t think in terms of eternity. How can we understand that our suffering, or our decidedly difficult trial means so little in relation to our position as redeemed children of God? Once we are relieved of our difficulty and can look back on it, doesn't it get smaller and smaller as time passes? Things burden us so much in the present because we are unable to grasp the perspective of this time in relation to forever. As blessed believers, we are not temporary - Only our trials are.
Today’s meditation: Receive affliction without murmur.
Memory Verse: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)
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