Light and Momentary

Paul knew what it meant for the outer self to waste away. His body bore scars from beatings and hardships; he endured constant threats and likely lived with chronic weakness. Yet his perspective is striking: though the outer body grows weaker, the inner self, that is the spirit, is being renewed every single day by God’s presence.

He calls suffering “light” and “momentary.” At first, this seems hard to accept. Pain doesn’t feel light, and sickness doesn’t feel momentary. But Paul is not trivializing suffering. He is comparing it to what’s ahead. Against the backdrop of eternity, even a lifetime of hardship is brief. And against the weight of glory, even the heaviest pain is light.

Then Paul makes a bold claim: “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.” The word preparing (Greek: katergazetai) means working out, producing, accomplishing. Our trials are not wasted. God uses them to shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for the fullness of His glory.

This perspective is crucial in the biblical health message. Sickness and bodily weakness were never part of God’s original design. They exist because of the fall and the brokenness of this world. But while God does not cause them, He does redeem them. Every struggle becomes an opportunity to deepen faith, grow compassion, and sharpen our eternal perspective.

Think of it this way: the outer body may weaken, but the inner life in Christ grows stronger. The world obsesses over preserving youth, avoiding wrinkles, or denying mortality. But Paul reminds us: the Christian’s hope is not in clinging to temporary strength but in being renewed day by day by the Spirit. That renewal prepares us for resurrection life where bodies will be restored, perfected, and free from sickness forever.

This doesn’t mean we neglect health. We are still called to steward our bodies wisely, avoiding what harms and embracing what helps. But when sickness comes, we remember: even here, God is at work. The affliction is real, but it is also temporary. And beyond it lies a weight of glory so great that present pain will fade like shadows in the sunrise.

So do not lose heart. The outer self may be wasting away, but the inner self is growing stronger every day in Christ. Your suffering is not meaningless but rather it is preparing you for eternal glory.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that even as my body weakens, You are renewing my spirit day by day. Help me not to lose heart but to see my trials in light of eternity. Prepare me through every hardship for the weight of glory that awaits me in Your presence. Amen.