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This Earthly Tent

by Julie Ryan


"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge."
2 Corin. 5:1-5


Yesterday my husband, 5-year-old daughter and I took a trip to Idlewild Park with a large group of my husband’s family. I would have to say that it’s a very nice park, with so many interesting activities, and things to look at and do, besides the rides. Everyone got along well and we didn’t have any trouble of any kind. It was the perfect family day... well, except for the one small fact that my body copped out on me.

The morning hours were fine, and I was full of energy walking throughout this large park. But as morning turned into midday, I started to feel this body of mine go downhill.

My usually comfortable sandals became torturous, as I had formed at least 4 blisters on my feet, and with each step, I experienced excruciating pain with no relief in sight.

By evening, my 29-year-old body, which I believe should have been fit and able, was feeling more like a 89-year-old body. My feet still burning with pain, my calves began to ache and I felt a crick forming in my back, as I labored over each step. I knew I looked ridiculous hobbling along beside my husband and child, but there was just nothing I could do to help it. I even tried giving myself a pep talk to just take the pain and walk normally, but I was helpless to do so.

I started to think about the scripture describing my body as an earthly tent. I sure could tell that things were not as they were supposed to be, and I was becoming well aware of the fact that my body is indeed a tent...perishable and totally mortal.

The verse came alive to me which says, “For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven..” for I was indeed groaning....dreaming about my new body I’m going to receive -- an imperishable one, an immortal one, that will be designed perfectly for life in Heaven. A body which will not become weary and racked with pain, but one with perfect strength and ability. At that time, in my new home, and with my new “building from God”, never again will I experience my body copping out on me, when my mind is having a perfectly fine day and wants to keep on going.

Praise be to Jesus Christ, who paid the price for my sins on the cross, and in His Word promises that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life! Amen!