2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, our inner man is being renewed day by day (Recovery Version).
The One who created the trees destined that many kinds of trees would drop their leaves. As Christian “trees,” we also have been destined to “drop our leaves.” Because our destiny is to drop our leaves, eventually something or someone will compel us to drop them. God never intended that our outward man would survive such a long time. Rather, He has determined that our old man, our outward man, will decay, will be consumed. The destiny, therefore, for our outward man is to die. You may live to be very old, but eventually your outward man will die. It is not God’s intention to prolong the life of your outward man. Therefore, do not cry out for help to preserve your outward man, and do not ask to be rescued from those things or persons who are consuming you. Instead, you should say, “Lord, I thank You. All these persons and things are helping me to drop my leaves earlier and faster. Lord, I want to cooperate. I want to let go of my leaves quicker, for then I shall mature earlier. Lord, I praise You for this help!” (Life-study of 2 Corinthians, Chapter 32, Section 2, by Witness Lee)
