Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles.

2  Corinthians 4:16-17

I am reminded this morning of the meaning of these words of the Apostle Paul that he shared with the Corinthian believers.  I feel like Paul, my “outer self is wasting away.”  I have been troubled with skin cancers for almost fifty years now.  Sometimes all is ok,  but then, as like now, there is a flare up on top of my scalp, the place of my attention for years.  My dear doctor, Dr. Roschel, has been my dermatologist for all these years.  He is doing his best.

Next week I have an appointment with him.  This is unexpected since he booked me for November appointment.   I assumed all would be well until then.  No chance, I had a flare up, as is the case with me now and again.  So I am eager for him to do something next week to get me through this.

With this in the background, I have been struggling to get things into context.  I love God and I know my life is in his hand, my days numbered.  Yet I would like to conquer this skin cancer.  Therefore my dilemma.  That is why this morning I am meditating on Paul’s advice to the Corinthians, Though our outer self is wasting away…I am reminded that what is bothering me is really my “outer self.”  Now comes the second surprise, “our inner self is being renewed day by day.”  I dislike the former and embrace the latter!  But I see that they are closely attached, outer wasting, inner renewing.

May we hear the voice of the Lord as aches and pains perplex us.  For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles.…