Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day-by-day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. – 2 Cor. 4:16-17
Amid various afflictions, we may seem to wear out outwardly, but inwardly we are renewed day-by-day. This renewal is a continuous change for the better. While some expected changes have not come to pass, and other changes have not been encouraging, this change helps us not to lose heart. Paul was stoned, tortured, shipwrecked and much more, but he called these afflictions light in comparison to the weight of God’s glory.
There are many things we attempt to change in our lives: vocation, habits, looks, even relationships. We can pursue these through the strength of our spiritual renewal. Even when we are not aware of it, our transformation into the image of Christ is constantly at work. When we feel we are losing heart, we turn our attention to the regeneration we can trust the Holy Spirit is bringing about.
The increase of God’s glory is unending. Because of that, all things are subject to change. This renewal ignites our passion and fuels our vision. It changes our perception of what we see in the natural. It strengthens our faith. Instead of losing heart, we gain more of the strength of the Lord. We walk in newness of life, from glory to glory!