From the moment we are born, our flesh is in a slow process of aging. Some of the lovely signs are gray “wisdom” hair, sudden body aches and pains that appear out of nowhere, eyesight issues, sunspots, and the list goes on. Though we outwardly age, as we behold and walk with Jesus, our inner man matures on a daily basis to the deeper aspects of the Kingdom, and our spirit shines with a bright light (Eph 1:18). As we mature, we come to understand that Holy Spirit allows us to acknowledge an inner strength that can be activated anytime, more importantly, during painful moments and seasons of trial. We also come to understand that there is purpose in our suffering.
A couple of years ago, my family endured a horrific situation in which a close loved one, and still a child, was killed ruthlessly. As I cried out to the Lord, He reminded me that His thoughts and His ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). The Lord asked me to redirect my thoughts and attention to the higher aspects of life, aspects that matter eternally, rather than sinking into the pain, hurt, and disappointment.
The Lord gently asked me to give thanks and possess a posture of gratitude in the present so that my spiritual eyes could begin to see what my natural eyes could not. As I chose to bring my mind, body, and spirit to a place of thanksgiving, and as I was writing my “thank you” list, His Presence was very present, and I felt Peace. Our family’s situation did not change, yet I knew that my heart and eternal perspective had changed. The Lord would use this to prove our faith to others and, most importantly, to get a glimpse of Him who is eternal.