I woke up this morning with a “crick” in my neck. I’ve heard of these, but never had one before. Naturally, I figured I could just stretch it out throughout the morning to ease the pain. Unfortunately, by the time I had gotten to work, the “crick” was so bad I decided to go buy an Icy/Hot patch! I’m glad to tell you that after an hour, I could finally turn my head again.

Between this adventure and my recent birthday, I’ve been thinking a lot about age and getting older. Even at 31 I am noticing I don’t heal as fast as I used to and I get injured easier as well. We all age and break down; it’s the natural course of life. So, as all of our bodies break down over time, what solace does the Bible offer to keep us encouraged as we get older?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

In chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians, Paul is speaking of the new ministry that is provided because of the grace and mercy of Jesus. Paul was speaking in this chapter that the power is in the message we carry, not in ourselves and our own abilities comparing our bodies to clay jars and the Word of God is the treasure inside. We are easily broken! We waste away in the ways of this world, but Paul says we are renewed spiritually; every day. The “cricks,” breaks and sickness are described as “light momentary afflictions” that prepare us for incomparable glory. What a wonderful and glorious encouragement! So, as Christians of all ages grow older, let us remember that age is not a bad thing, it brings us closer to God in more than one way!