“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
This is what we look forward to in Christ! As followers of Jesus, we too will rise from the dead as He has. Our resurrection won’t merely be a raising of our spirit (though our spirit goes to be with the Lord immediately when we die). Rather, our ultimate and eternal future is to be raised as a spirit in a resurrected, perfected, glorious body!
When our bodies are raised, they won’t ache, creak, or groan. They will not grow weak, break down, or betray us. They will be glorious. They will be eternal. They will be powerful. We don’t know exactly what all that means or looks like, but we’ve been promised that we will be like Jesus on that day (1 John 3:2).
So take heart, during long seasons of aching and groaning, of weakness and frustration with your perishable body. Don’t despair. Don’t lose hope. This time will pass. What lies ahead for followers of Jesus is unimaginably wonderful! In that moment, the darkness of life in a fallen world will fade away amidst the brilliant beauty and wonder of resurrection, renewal, and God’s eternal presence.