"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (II Cor. 4:16)
This is the experience of God’s people. Life in Christ is continually renewed. He lifts us higher to a new plane where we do not count the cost we pay in God’s service. The physical body may become weaker but the spiritual man becomes stronger. The body cannot become too weak, because the body is strengthened by the thoughts of God. Children of God are able to do much more work than ordinary people. The Spirit of God in our spirit can make us do great things which surprise the world. Take care of your thoughts and the body will take care of itself.
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Cor. 4:18) We develop a capacity to see things that do not appear. You believe things that you do not see. You see into the future. Your hope increases. "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth why doth he yet hope for?: (Rom.8:24) A Christian lives by hope- a very real hope. The mind cannot grasp that hope but the spirit can. We are hoping for things that we cannot see- eternal things. This hope has a great influence on the body. The inward man is renewed.
Spiritual energy can empower the body and supply its needs. Our spirit enters into a new atmosphere, where God from the throne of God which make us happy and heal and strengthen our body. Waves of love reach out from God to the places of secret prayer. We enter into spiritual space where our physical and spiritual bodies are both renewed. Sadhu Sundar Singh used to have the experience of going to heaven while in the body and when he came back he was completely rejuvenated. Saints used to rise into the holy atmosphere when they prayed.
Prayer life will result in prophetic life. We come out with a creative power when we come from prayer. Our petitions in prayer are for eternal things. When a man is in Christ, he prays for a message for perishing souls. I asked God for a holy life and a life in His will. I never asked for anything in this world. The Spirit Himself makes us ask for such things. You must be a Holy Spirit-charged personality.
Do not lend yourself to worldly conversation. You are out for a great purpose. Your enjoyment is of a higher order. You rejoice when you bring God’s message to people. You may be growing weak bodily but strong spiritually. A man whose mind is set on eternal things will make a mark in this world.
John Bunyan was torn away from his home and cast into prison. His family was poor and there was a blind daughter who needed his help. But he suffered it all for eternal things. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in out mortal flesh" (II Cor. 4: 7&11). As we are delivered to death for Jesus’ sake the might of God is manifested in us. As death works in you, you are able to deliver powerful messages. understood the mystery of spiritual renewal.
Your resentment, hatred and envy are replaced by love, sympathy and generosity. You are richer than the richest men on earth. You do not care for wealth. You know it is a burden. Your eyes will be closed to material wealth. You are seeking the things that are above. "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord: and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake." (II Cor. 4: 5) When we preach we must be absolutely free from fear. Fear must change into confidence. Your haste must change into patience. Never mind what people say. Be true to God. Your prayer life will result in blessings for you and your loved ones. What is the level of your prayer life? Everything depends on that. The true life in Christ must be demonstrated in us.
