We Fix Our Eyes Not on What Is Seen

“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 4:16-18

The Apostle Paul highlights that, although outwardly his life and ministry may appear fraught with suffering and weakness, his inner being is being renewed day by day. To the Corinthians, Paul’s appearance and speaking abilities might have seemed unimpressive, yet he had a firm assurance of God’s eternal purpose through the growth and maturity of his inner self.

The “outer self” symbolizes our physical condition, outward appearance, and the trials and societal pressures we face. Over time, our bodies decline, and worldly success or external forms eventually fade. However, our inner self—our soul and inward being in Christ—is being transformed and matured each day.

Rather than focusing on our weaknesses, our hardships, or our incompleteness in this world, we need to look to God’s glory beyond them. Standing before our perfect God while acknowledging our own imperfection is, in fact, what it means to be truly human. Our faith does not rely on what is visible but on the unseen promises of God and the certainty of salvation. May we live each day with our inner selves being renewed, looking toward the eternal hope God gives.

Prayer: Lord, though our outer selves appear weak, we trust in Your grace that shapes us more and more into Your likeness, and we gladly walk the narrow path. Even as we see the world’s troubles and our own limitations, we believe in the nearness of Your kingdom. Help us to act on our faith in small ways, to commit and obey. We look to Your glory so that our frailty may be healed, and we ask for courage to live today by faith. Amen.

(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)

Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.