Resoluteness with Ability

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.” (2Co 4:16 AV)

The first statement Paul makes is telling.  After giving his testimony of resiliency and resolution, he makes the statement that he will not faint.  There are two factors that contribute to this statement.  The first consideration is what we have in Christ.  The hope and life of Christ indwell the believer as well as the Holy Spirit.  We move and have our being by the power of our God.  We have no strength by which we can promise the above without the resources provided by our Creator.  So when Paul states that he will not faint, he is relying on the strength of the divine that resides within.  But I also think his statement manifests a decision.  I think his statement is one of resolve.  Regardless of how hard life gets, he will not faint.  He will go down with every ounce of strength spent for the glory of God.  He will depart this life in as much service as God allows.  What I see is the very definition of the character of Paul and why God used him.  He was resolved not to faint.  He will not quit.  He decided as much in the statement above.

When we think of resiliency, we often think of an athlete who pushes themselves beyond their limits to finish a race.  We admire the resolve.  We admire the commitment.  Yet this is not the type of resolution to which Paul is speaking. Much of that is ego-driven.  Rather, note how Paul remains vital and relevant. He is renewed day by day.  To put the analogy of the runner in perspective, imagine that there are two runners.  The first is more concerned with time rather than distance.  If so, he or she will not take the time to hydrate along the way. The ego is further fed by adding adversity when adversity is not necessary. Running and finishing a race without hydrating is considered heroic.  He or she pushes through and ignores basic human needs just to prove it can be done. There is another type of runner who is more interested in distance than time.  He or she is well aware of the toll that distance running can take on the body and is conscientious and practical.  He or she will hydrate along the way.  He or she may slow down and then speed back up.  The runner will listen to what the body is saying and adjust to go the furthest he or she can with the time allotted.

When Paul speaks of being renewed day by day, he is not limiting himself to devotions, reading, preaching or other such necessary things.  He is speaking of the whole man.  Taking care of oneself is important.  This morning, I was reminded that praying specific prayers first thing in the morning is important. Anticipating what might come and praying for God’s power and guidance is important.   If there are tasks that need to be done, ministry that needs tending to, or battles that loom ahead, praying beforehand makes all the difference.  But I think the Spirit wants us to consider other venues of refreshment as well.  A walk in the park with your dog, sitting on the porch as the rain softly falls, or taking a drive for half a day may be just what the doctor ordered.  When Paul speaks of daily renewal, of course, he is speaking primarily of the spiritual.  But the body and soul need tending to as well.  A resolute spirit that faints not does not stand under its own power.  It needs help.  It needs refreshing.  Making a determinate commitment sounds all good and well, but unless there is provision to renew that spirit day in and day out, we will quit the race early, and we will not finish well.