Take Heart

II Corinthians 4:1-18, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 3:14-19

Each day we are faced with new thoughts, people, events, ideas, and much more. We also realize that our physical body is changing. It is easy to give in to depression and worry about all the new pains if we do not realize and accept God’s plan. As Dr. Francis Grubb writes in his book The Glory of Aging (which you should purchase now), “The Biblical view of God’s purpose for aging through all the reality of physical deterioration and decline is God’s plan. For, God’s ultimate purpose for man is that he lives totally for the glory of God, that his character displays the character traits of God… So, we are right on schedule with God’s plan.”

As one reads, obeys the Word, prays, and serves they are allowing God to strengthen the inward man… and it is the strength and power of the inward man that allows one to live in victory each day even when the physical body is deteriorating. It is a great joy to live for the glory of God and impact others. So, take heart if some or all of your physical body hurts, for you are right on God’s plan and desire to cultivate and deepen the “inward man” for His glory and the blessings of others.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being angry over the hurts and pains, and thank You for strengthening my inward person.

Project: List ways I plan to obey the Lord to cultivate and strengthen my inward person.