Transformation Series Episode 16

Transformation Series Episode 16

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Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

Hello, my walking friend! Walking is such a great exercise, isn’t it? It doesn’t cost any money. You don’t have to join a fancy gym. All you need are a pair of shoes and a desire to get up and move! And, even if you are in a big city, you can see God’s creation around you – in the sky, in any plant life you see, in the people walking by. Walking is also something we can do as we age – and can actually help us age better! So, way to go, friend! Keep it up! Keep doing good things for your body, mind, and soul.

Today is the 16th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV):
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Oh, man, this is kind of a depressing verse, isn’t it? Outwardly we are wasting away? Yikes! Who likes to hear that? I don’t want to waste away, do you? I still feel like there is so much to do! You probably do, too, which is why you are listening to a podcast on transformation! But no matter how much we live in denial, no matter how much we try stop the process, outwardly we are changing. We may have some success in slowing the aging clock, in reversing some of the effects of aging, but in the end we can’t defeat the death of our physical bodies. Imagine what terrible news that is for someone who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? Every single human being has been created by God in his image. Every single human being will experience physical death – their bodies, at the designated time of the Lord, will waste away from something, illness, accident, old age. And if the verse ended there, it would be depressing.

But we don’t need to be discouraged about the aging process because each day that passes brings us one day closer to Jesus. And every day we are alive is an opportunity to get to know him better, to build our faith, and to use the life we have been given to bring him glory. We can use our time here to bring his light to a dark world. It may not seem like it, but we can turn our dismay about aging into joy. Personally, I need to be reminded of this truth a lot lately! Remember, happiness is temporary and dependent upon our circumstances. Joy is something that comes when we trust Jesus to fulfill his promises. And he promises that the best is yet to come! Dear walking friend, there is nothing wrong with caring about your outward person. Just remember that it is perishing. But the inner person is imperishable! Trust Jesus, trust his promises. When we do, our spirits will be renewed day by day.

And for a little levity, I like this prayer I read in Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on this verse:

Lord, thou knowest better than I know that I am getting older. Keep me from getting too talkative and thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy; thou knowest, Lord, that what I want is a few friends at the end

Do you know anyone who could benefit from that prayer? If they are walking with you now, don’t look at them! That would be rude! But if you related to any of it, as I did, then let’s trust Jesus to help us age gracefully, being renewed inwardly, day by day.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
2 Corinthians 4:16:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

When you think of renewal and transformation, do you mostly think about your physical body? If so, what can you do to focus more on renewing your inner person, your soul? Take some time to consider your answer.

How can you have joy in unhappy circumstances? Think of some ways now.

What are some of Jesus’ promises that can help you have more heavenly perspective? Consider those promises now.

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
2 Corinthians 4:16:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
It is hard to look in the mirror sometimes and see changes. It is frustrating when our bodies don’t work as well as they did when we were younger. We want to use the days you have given us to bring you glory, but Jesus, sometimes we are tempted to give up. When we feel that way, remind us of your promises. Remind us that you are our strength and that you are renewing us on the inside. Help us have a heavenly perspective so that we will value things that will last, like your word and our relationships with you, and not put too much value on all that is perishing. Every day that we are able, help us be a light in this world and help us live with joy because of your goodness. Thank you for being patient with us, Jesus, and for walking with us always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one with the power to create a pure heart in each of us. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.