2 Corinthians 5:6–8: So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Paul set his sight on the unseen. He focused on the coming “weight of glory” (4:17) rather than on his afflictions. He was not concerned that his outer man was wasting away because he saw the unseen—his inner nature was undergoing daily renewal. Paul’s faith in the unseen beyond controlled his entire existence.
Preference. His abiding preference—indeed, his passionate longing—was to be with Christ: “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (v. 8). We misunderstand if we conceive of his desire in mere geographical terms. Paul desired ultimate fellowship with the Lord. Certainly in his earthly body he knew the Lord, as does every believer. But to be “at home with the Lord” encompasses warmth of fellowship that is wholly active and reciprocal with live face-to-face exchange.7 Paul sees this in his future and thus longs assuredly for his resurrection body in which he will be at home with the Lord. 1
Personal Application
- Read Hebrews 11:1. How does this verse explain what faith is? Do you have faith to trust God for the unknown answer that you need today?
Godly Encouragement
- By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. –Psalm 33:6
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
He sees, what I do not see, and then He ask me to trust Him. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You that I can trust You with complete confidence.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2006). 2 Corinthians: power in weakness. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
