Do Not Despair

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

I smile to myself when I read this passage. More than once it has been commented on all the physical maladies the leadership that I serve with suffer from. We have one operating on one ear and half a lung, another with one kidney, sleep apnea, and diabetes, another battles epilepsy, while yet another has thyroid problems.

This section of scripture provides the hope we need. One, the body is not the concern right now, but growing closer to God is. Two, in comparison to eternity, this is only for a brief moment in time. Three, it teaches us that Christ is not bound by our afflictions - being able to serve is all due to Him. And four, it teaches us to focus on the spiritual in all aspects - not just when it comes to health.

Look folks, I know how depressing it can get having to take medications day after day after day. It sometimes seems they bind you - have taken you prisoner because of your sickness. But we will be whole, and this really is just a little time. Don't focus on the daily line-up of pills, focus on the Lord.

Even if you have great health, there may be things that depress you. That have taken you prisoner because of a certain weakness. We live in a fallen world, this happens. True freedom is in Christ alone - He overcame the shackles that bind you now, rely in Him and let Jesus set you free. You may have called on Him as your Savior, but true freedom comes when He becomes your Lord.