What is Seen is Temporary

"For we know that if our earthly house, a tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit as a guarantee."
2 Corinthians 5:1-5

We have frequently visited a shut down, hollow shell of an orphanage, where seven children with special needs have been left to live. One particular girl who has touched my heart is Ingrid. She is an adorable little girl with a gorgeous smile and perceptive mind, yet she is completely unable to hear or speak. But God taught me this week that one doesn't need these gifts in order to show the greatest gift: love.

This revelation began as a result of a baby iguana, a pet owned by the son (Joshua) of the pastor who has been our helper and lifeline this past month. Joshua brought his iguana to the orphanage one day last week with a string "leash" tied around its belly. The moment that Ingrid's endearing eyes spotted that iguana, her heart melted. Whoever had the leash not only had the iguana, but also the full attention of Ingrid. My smile couldn't be contained anymore than her's could; who knew so much joy could come from just a little lizard?

I left her briefly to sit by myself inside the vacant church beside the orphanage. My heart was overwhelmed beyond my ability of expression. Why does this world desperately lack love? Why don't these children, so beautiful, tender, compassionate, have homes and families to care for them and tell them how wonderful they are? Why do orphanages even have to exist? I wasn't asking the Lord these things from a place of anger, but instead from a place of deep sadness and longing for His kingdom to come. I know that these children are truly the least of all: not only are they orphans, but they also have debilitating handicaps. And yet they are filled with a supernatural joy, that which only is possible through the Father.

As I was praying these things, God revealed to me that their damaged bodies are only a tent, only temporary. When He calls them home, they will have new, whole, healthy bodies. This time is brief, but what is to come is everlasting. He reminded me of the verses in 2 Corinthians 5: "For we know that if our earthy house, a tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling...so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." It is true that this temporary existence is painful, but we are promised that He will give us new bodies that cannot be destroyed. He makes us new. He takes away what is finite and replaces it with life. These things I cannot imagine, but I trust Him that they are absolutely and irrevocably true.

While I was dwelling on these things, Ingrid came into the church with the iguana securely positioned in her little hands. At my invitation to sit by my side, her face lit up and a genuine smile brimmed on her lips. She snuggled up under my arm, tenderly nuzzling the iguana. It was in this moment that another truth was revealed to me: the love of God lives inside of her. Her fascination and gentleness towards even the roughest and least affectionate of His creatures embodies His love. Her soul is made in His image, even if her earthly body is weak. She may not know God in her mind the way that I do, but I believe with all that I am that her heart and soul belong to Him. She can feel His love and joy, even if she may not fully understand it (but then again, who actually does?). And there is so much I can learn from her and the love He displays in her.

Thank You, God, for all You have done and for all that You will do. Your plans are perfect, even though sometimes it's hard for us to see. Help us to trust You.

"Therefore, we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Please pray for healing for Ingrid. He has promised to do things beyond what we can think or imagine, so I ask that you would ask Him for healing for her body.

With all love,
Meg