31 Days of Hope - October 27

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, 

our inner self is being renewed day by day. 

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory 

beyond all comparison, 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.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So we don't lose heart...so we don't lose heart. Let those words sink in to your heart and soul. God knew that it would be so easy to lose heart as our bodies start betraying us. We start to notice things we could do yesterday, we can't do today; and yes, it is disheartening. It can be something as simple as not being able to sit in a regular chair for too long to something as complicated as not being able to play the sports we once could. It can be that we can't hold that needle to stitch or climb those stairs we used to be able to climb. Whatever it is, it can be discouraging. However, did you notice in this verse that God isn't especially interested in our outer self but our inner self?

He is giving us HOPE by telling us that these momentary afflictions are preparing us for the day of glory! It is preparing us for the great things that we will be a part of eternally. He reminds us that the eternal things are unseen by us now but that there will be a time when we will see them and be a part of them, too, when we put our HOPE and trust in Jesus. 

I won't kid you and tell you that I don't bemoan the fact that I can't do a lot of things I could before. Simple things that seem ridiculous when I tell people I can't do anymore. Just today, my son got enough of the porch he's been working on done so I could sit out there. Unfortunately, I sat out there too long and now my leg looks like someone tried to blow it up like a balloon. Does this make me sad? You bet! However, when I focus on this Scripture and know that there is something more glorious coming my way, it does take the sting out and give me so much comfort. It gives me HOPE for my future when I will stand with Jesus, whole, not in pain, and with no balloon legs! 

Here is the view that I had today

Did I just freak you out? LOL Well, I'm not lying. This huge creature was sitting not too far from me as I was trying to enjoy my time on the porch. I have never seen one of these before and hope I never do again! I'm thinking I will, though, as this is a female and she more than likely laid an egg sac containing 1000 eggs inside somewhere around my porch. Oh joy! I just have to remember she is one of God's creations, too!

Here's a picture of the other view I had today.

Is there anything better? I think not. I am so blessed and so thankful for all that God does for me and for all the HOPE He brings into my life! Please trust in Him so that you can experience this kind of HOPE, too!

Blessings - Julie