Mighty in spirit ∙

Mighty in spirit ∙

We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As we walk through the seasons of life, we eventually come to our golden years—a phase colored by two distinct truths. On one hand, our bodies, bound by time, begin to show signs of wear. The years take their toll as we grow weaker, slower, and ultimately return to the earth, as all creation does. On the other hand, these years are not without profound rewards. Aging also brings unparalleled opportunities for growth, reflection, and transformation.

One of the gifts of aging is the accumulation of what psychologists call crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge over time. This type of intelligence represents the insights and understanding we gain from experiences such as education, conversations, failures, and successes throughout our lives. As we age, our grasp of information becomes deeper and more comprehensive. Learning is an ongoing process; there are always new truths to discover and fresh perspectives to consider.

But the greatest treasure isn’t just in what we know. The ultimate benefit lies in honing our ability to utilize this accumulated wisdom effectively. Wisdom, after all, is the practical application of knowledge; that is, wisdom is putting our knowledge to good use. Wisdom gives us the capacity to see life differently, to respond with insight, and to live with purpose, providing us with a sense of guidance and focus.

However, more significant than the growth of crystallized intelligence is the growth of our spirit. Our human spirit can grow stronger as we grow closer to the Father and learn to rely upon Him. For those who belong to Him, spiritual growth is not just a possibility; it is a promise, a source of inspiration and motivation. John the Baptist serves as a striking example of this truth. Luke makes a pointed observation about his early years: Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit.

Just as the body becomes stronger through consistent effort, so too can the spirit. The human spirit is capable of growing stronger and stronger when exercised and developed over time. It grows more robust, prepared to face life’s challenges with grace and courage. The apostle Paul shows us the way.

The apostle Paul understood this deeply. His physical body bore the scars of beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and relentless trials. “Paul’s sufferings, while not fatal, were destroying his body. Nevertheless, even this did not discourage him for even though physically he was decaying, spiritually he was still developing” (Constable). Paul underwent a complete paradigm shift. What sparked this transformation? From a human viewpoint, it was entirely unexpected.

Paul captured this eternal focus in his letter to the Romans:

Romans 5:2–5

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Paul’s suffering, though intense, sparked unparalleled growth in his spirit. His trials shaped and refined him, developing endurance, character, and a hope that was deeply rooted in the Father’s love. It wasn’t that Paul ignored his pain. Instead, he viewed it from the Father’s perspective. This paradigm shift focused on the hope that things to come sustained Paul during the temporary sufferings that marked his life. “What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal” (BKC).

This eternal perspective allowed Paul to rejoice even when life was most challenging. He trusted in the hope of future glory, a hope that will never disappoint because it rests on God’s perfect love.

REFLECT & PRAY

What we see is informed by what we expect to see. When our eyes are earthbound, we are restricted by what is perceptible in the physical world. Where we fix our focus matters. Is your gaze locked on the temporary trials of this earth? Or do you see, with the eyes of faith, focused on the eternal?

Father, grant me the vision to see beyond the surface, the temporary, and the trivial. Open the eyes of my heart to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be to my limited human eyes.

INSIGHT

Paul had learned to view things through the Father’s lens. Paul sees as the Father sees. The eyes of Paul’s heart had become enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). He could now see the unseen. The Father Himself is unseen by human eyes. But with the eyes of faith, the eyes of the heart, He becomes visible. The Father and all that He had revealed and promised had become more real and substantial than what Paul could see with his physical eyes.

Like Moses, Paul was able to persevere and overcome hardship.

Hebrews 11:27 [Moses] kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Paul was convinced that his sufferings and hardship in this life were fleeting and momentary.

2 Corinthians 4:18 The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The Scriptures present an intriguing paradox permeated with irony. The physical things that we see now seem durable and lasting. However, they are, in reality, temporary, ephemeral, transient, and fleeting. The eternal realities of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, which we cannot see with our physical eyes, last and are eternal.

Paul underwent a major perspective transformation, leading to a remarkable understanding. Eternal, invisible truths became clear and vibrant, while temporary, visible realities faded into the background. Even as Paul’s physical body broke down—often subjected to abuse, beatings, and being left for dead—the Father renewed him from within. Instead of dragging him down, these hardships became opportunities to experience great joy. Rather than breaking him, his struggles facilitated growth and renewal. Through every trial, the Father made him stronger, refining him like gold in the fire.

Paul became mighty in spirit. His unwavering faith turned adversity into a source of joy, peace, and hope, allowing him to rise above circumstances that would crush most people. Instead of succumbing to despair, Paul chose endurance; instead of surrendering to sorrow, he embraced joy.

James captures this remarkable mindset in striking words: James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow . . ..”

Paul’s life became a testimony to this truth. The more he depended on the Father, the more his spirit thrived. Adversity didn’t just happen to Paul. It was the Father’s intelligent design for shaping and strengthening him into someone more aligned with the eternal purposes of God. His hardships taught him to see differently, to live boldly, and to rejoice in the hope that outlasts every earthly storm. This hope, grounded in eternity, gave Paul the strength to say, “These trials are temporary, but my joy in the Father is eternal.”

“God will never be a debtor to anyone. That means that any ‘sacrifice’ we make or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered.” (Stanley).

“It’s easy to grow old if you haven’t grown up” (John Hively).

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© Dr. H 2025