Victory In Christ

about nine months ago. Like me (though even to a greater degree than me) he is a senior citizen. And his injury required major rehabilitation. Being rehabilitated is so important in order to get one’s muscles and strength back, and one’s physical condition as strong or stronger than it was before the accident. He said that when he began, he had every reason to give up. But I’m so proud of him! Through his small daily victories he overcame this major defeat and setback. Through his sheer determination he has come back in a big way!

But as a man of godly character he also made a profound statement that is the purpose of today’s blog. A few weeks ago this is what he posted: 

“Being there for others is strengthening yourself.” 

My take away is that he has a wonderful purpose for living — and that purpose involves needing to be active, fit, able to give, to lend a hand where needed — not to simply waste away. He had a tremendous purpose and incentive to restore what was lost, and it paid off through determination.

His love and care for people and desire to be there for them has had a strengthening effect in his entire being. Oh, that I might experience that in my life. . . 

2 Corinthians 4:16 teaches us to have perseverance despite what happens to our physical bodies: “Therefore we do not lose heart, though our outward nature is wasting away, our inward nature is being renewed day by day.” 

Even if our physical bodies weaken and decay, our spiritual lives are growing stronger and renewed each day. For me, this means that I can get up every day, and pray, and serve the body of Christ by being an intercessor. It reminds me that having a close relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ and receiving my purpose and new calling from Him (which benefits others) actually renews my own spirit. Every day I grow in thankfulness to God for what I have; I don’t focus on what I no longer have. I have hope and a full assurance as my inner self is renewed and my spiritual man grows through prayer for others. This spiritual growth is more significant than the losses we may experience as we age. 

Isaiah 58:11 reads: “I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places – firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.” (MSG).

As we nourish others, we become resilient and are ourselves strengthened. Hallelujah!