2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Eventhough 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.
As believers in Christ, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When the first man, Adam, sinned, the punishment for his disobedience was death. Adam, not God, passed that death sentence down to you and me because we were in Adam’s loins when he sinned. Our bodies may be dying, but our spirits are replenished daily. When we believe God’s word and walk by faith, this is what will happen.
Lamentations 3:22-24 tells us that the reason we are not consumed all at once is that the Lord is merciful. Because of His unfailing compassion, He gives us mercy every morning. How amazing is that? Yesterday’s failures and disappointments are behind us because God has given us new mercy. We do not receive mercy because of our good works; God gives us mercy because He is compassionate.
One of the attributes of God is love. Friends, God loves you and He cares intimately for you. Even in your darkest hour, you can experience God’s love. All you have to do is receive Him and then walk by faith. To walk by faith is to have confidence in God even when you don’t know what He is doing.
Confidence of a Renewed Spirit
This is what a young nobleman did when he asked Jesus to heal his son. The Bible tells us that Jesus was in Cana of Galilee when a certain nobleman approached Him. His son was sick and he wanted Jesus to go to his house in Capernaum to heal him. Jesus looked at the nobleman and said, “Go your way; your son lives.” This nobleman literally took a walk of faith. He believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.
His servant met him as he traveled home and said, “Your son is alive!” The nobleman asked his servants, “What time did he get better?” They answered, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon.” Immediately the nobleman knew that it was one in the afternoon when Jesus told him that his son lived.
Friends, when you walk by faith, God will renew your spirit. You will begin to see your problems in a different light. The Bible says, “… our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” When you believe God you will know that your sickness is but for a moment. You will believe that your old car is just temporary. Your faith will see that God is already working on that job promotion. If you will walk by faith and begin to thank God for a renewed spirit, God will bring you to a place of joy that you never thought possible.
Today, Lord, I will walk by faith and not by sight. You said my light afflictions are only for a moment, and I believe Your word. I thank You for total restoration in my spirit so that my body may be made whole.