Being Made New Again

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 

  

Many years ago, I took an auto body repair class in a vocational school. People would bring in the most rusted, beat up, ugly cars you had ever seen, hoping we would make them look like new again. And after much work, applying hammers, torches, sanders, every tool at our disposal, we made those ugly old cars beautiful once more. 

  

I wish people were as easy to fix. I wish I could be made new again as those old cars were. We are wearing out and wearing down day by day due to age and disability. As much as we might like to be “new” again we are not, and we will not be in this life. 

  

Nevertheless, we will be made new again one day, and it is that hope in the future than can get us past the mirror today. Knowing that Jesus has something far greater in store for us than our very best here on earth is an encouraging thought.  

  

It was amazing to see those old cars drive into the shop, covered with more rust than paint, looking hopeless, and then see those same cars made beautiful. After being painted and polished, to see them looking as good or better than they ever had, that was a great experience. Yet a far greater experience is coming when we go back out the door of that heavenly garage, looking better than we ever did in this life. 

  

You may have lost your looks, your shape, your youth to life and its wear and tear upon our lives. What life has robbed you of, or perhaps never gave you to begin with, Jesus has waiting for you on the other side of the door. We must be patient, perhaps deal with some rust and flaking paint, but better things are coming for those who wait patiently upon the Lord. 

  

Prayer: Dear Lord, these bodies drag us down, humiliate, and frustrate us. Help us to be patient for that new body awaiting us in heaven. Amen.