Perplexed,

But Not Driven To Despair

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture – “I believed, and so I spoke” – we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

While it is true that the older we get the worse we get physically, it does not have to be that way spiritually. Spiritually, it is possible to get better with age.

Many of us fear aging with all the trouble it brings. But when we are gradually stripped of everything that props us up – wealth, independence, health, dignity, beauty, or all of the above, we are left with more and more of God. So no matter how old you are, it is not too late to dig deep in God’s Word and invest more and more time in your spiritual well-being. You will see the payoffs, now and later. The older you get, the better you become.

To get better with age, get spiritually fit.

Our Daily Bread – July 23, 2008