Renewed Day by Day
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV)
“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.”
Facing Trials
We all face trials that can shut down our hearts and plant bitterness within us. In those moments, darkness can feel permanent, and our identity may seem fragile. We may catch fleeting glimpses of relief—a happy moment or a distraction—but not true forgiveness or healing. Not apart from Christ.
A New Life in Christ
Salvation through Christ, born out of repentance and belief in His forgiveness, brings new life.
As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
This salvation does not mean our struggles disappear. But it does mean we always have hope — a hope that will never disappoint. Prayer and God’s Word are our constant source of strength: a place where we speak honestly with Him, share our fears and vulnerabilities, receive His forgiveness, and even learn to forgive ourselves.
Accepting Christ as Lord gives us new life — a life of resting in His grace and forgiveness, a life where we recognize that our bodies are not our own, a life where we know He makes us righteous before God, and a life where we trust that the only way to heaven is through Him. By grace, through faith, we can believe in Jesus and walk in His light.
God is the light that always outshines the darkness. On our own, the light feels too dim. But with Him, we are given the strength to see it clearly — no matter what we’re walking through.
Seen and Unseen
This passage from 2 Corinthians points us to the unseen reality of life with God. Paul reminds us that what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When you think about what you truly want, what is it? Is it material things — the body, the car, the house, the husband? Or is it something deeper — love, affection, words of kindness, a sense of belonging?
In my experience, we chase the unseen through the seen. But only through God can we find what we are really searching for. He is the only one who can always give us what we need. He is the only one who shines light in the darkness.
Eternal Renewal
It’s in the moments when we feel like we are wasting away that God often grows us most deeply in the Spirit. And the Spirit is what will last for eternity with our Father.
That is what truly matters.
Practical Implementation
When your mind begins to wander to all the I want statements… pause and ask yourself: why? Then, take that answer and ask why again. Keep asking until you uncover the root of what you are truly seeking. So often, beneath the surface desires, what we really long for is love, peace, security, and belonging. And those are things only God can fully give.
This practice helps us realize what truly matters — eternity with Him. It’s not wrong to have hopes and desires; they can even be good. But knowing why we want something changes everything. When our desires are rooted in character, goodness, and alignment with God’s design, they bear far greater fruit than when they spring from a place of lack or restlessness.
Closing Thought
If this message resonates with you, I’d love to walk alongside you. Living healthily and freely begins with wisdom rooted in God’s design for your body, mind, and spirit. I invite you to [book a free discovery call] to explore faith-filled health coaching.
