my paraphrase: 2 corinthians 4:16-18

I’ve been into writing paraphrases lately — usually of small parts of the Bible that I read that God uses to change my mind and heart about him and the world. So today I’m introducing a new regular post topic that I’m calling my paraphrase. (Scroll down to the PS at the bottom to suggest a better name for it and have a chance to win a prize in the process!)

//As an aside: In the spiritual climate I grew up in, paraphrases were sort of frowned upon. If you know what I mean, I hope you can just appreciate this as art — evidence of God’s ever-speaking Voice in our world, and a modern expression of the timeless efficacy of a very old book! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, just forget about it!//

my paraphrase today is dedicated to:

the 2015 new year and my mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, who both celebrated birthdays this week! (It’s from a part of the bible that talks about getting older, but actually makes it sound good!)

2 corinthians 4:16-18

English Standard Version

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.

2 corinthians 4:16-18

my paraphrase

There is hope! I may be getting more tired and wrinkly on the outside, but my heart, soul, mind, and inner strength are coming more alive, becoming more of my true self in Christ every single day that goes by.

Even the grossest, most painful circumstances of life will be overwhelmingly eclipsed by God’s beauty and goodness and riches, all of which keep rubbing off on me – I just can’t always see how or its full extent yet.

One day I will. And that day will never end.

 

PS. I plan to share more of these in the future and so I really need a better name for my paraphrase than my paraphrase. Any suggestions? Comment below. And if I pick yours, I’ll send you a present to say “Thanks!” How’s that for incentive? 🙂 Hint: I like classy, intellectual-sounding, timeless. I don’t like cheesy, puns, or obnoxious alliteration. Ready, go!