2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NIV

[1] For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. [2] Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, [3] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

[4] For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. [5] Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

[6] Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. [7] For we live by faith, not by sight. [8] We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

[9] So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. [10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1. All of your pain is temporary.

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

2. God will walk you through it all.

3. God wants you to live for his pleasure.

4. God will make everything right forever.

- Take heed.

- Take courage. 

Wasting Away

• Luke 12:33: “Provide yourselves a treasure in the heavens where no moth destroys.”
• Revelation 8:9: “A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”
• Revelation 11:18: “The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time . . . for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” 

Therefore, we do not lose heart.

•  Verses 8–9: “We are afflicted, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Therefore, we do not lose heart.
• Verse 10: When we carry about in our body the dying of Jesus, the life of Jesus is manifested in our body. Therefore, we do not lose heart.
• Verse 14: “God will raise us from the dead with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” Therefore, we do not lose heart.
• Verse 15: “Through our suffering grace extends to more and more people and increases thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” Therefore, we do not lose heart.