Paul talks a lot about our bodies in this part of his letter to the Corinthian church. Probably because he was suffering greatly. Our bodies are frail. They are easily injured. They are very slowly decomposing and wearing out. They get tired and sore and weak and infected and hungry and cold and hot. The human body is a beautiful piece of work, but it is temporary.
Meanwhile, Jesus promised us new bodies that are eternal. What an amazing promise!
Does it help knowing that any situation I find myself in is temporary, including pain in my own body? Pain from disease or injury or neglect or abuse?
Paul thought so. That’s why he urges me to focus on the unseen and the eternal, not just what I can see and feel, here and now.
I don’t have any idea what my new eternal body will be like, but I imagine I won’t have multiple sclerosis anymore. I’m guessing I won’t have pain or fatigue or ever be too weak to stand. There probably won’t even be hunger or thirst or aging or scars or brokenness of any kind.
I agree with Paul that endurance is easier when I know whatever I’m enduring will come to an end. Especially when what comes next promises to be so good.
Dear God,
Thank you so much for your promise of a new eternal body when you return and make all things new. Until then, remind me to focus on your love, promises, and purpose for me instead of getting distracted and discouraged by the problems of this life. I know you have more than enough power, wisdom, and love to give me strength for today and to make a beautiful eternity for all who choose you.
CamDevo 