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2 Corinthians 5:4

⁴For while we are still 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.

Some commentators believe that there were those who questioned Paul's apostleship because of his afflictions and suffering. The same idea of true believers having perfect health is in the church today. Paul is telling them that he hopes they all have perfect health and never suffer, but the apostles certainly suffer for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:7-12). Righteous Job suffered ill health. Epaphras almost died of an illness when he was ministering to Paul (Philippians 2:30). Suffering, whether physical or emotional, is a part of human existence. God uses suffering to mature us and help us focus on what is eternal (Psalm 119:71).

As we age, we increasingly experience the weakness of our physical bodies, which Paul calls our tent. That is a biblical way of looking at the body. It is the temporary shelter of our spirit on our pilgrimage through this life. Tents wear out. As Paul was a tentmaker, he knew that quite well. Tents need repairs after facing the storms of life. Eventually they become worn out and are ready to be discarded.

Old age makes us long for the heavenly body. We long for the mortal to be swallowed up by life. While our souls will be with Jesus upon death, our bodies will remain here. When the last trumpet sounds, God is going to do one of the greatest recycling jobs ever done. Our old bodies will be transformed into heavenly ones that are like His when He rose. There was nothing left of Jesus' body in the tomb. What walked out was not of the same properties as the one that was carried in. Yet it was recognizable, disguisable, touchable, and incorruptible. Jesus could eat and talk, appear and disappear, and He had flesh and bone. He could physically ascend to the Father. That is the same type of new tent that we shall have (Philippians 3:21).

Remember: This tent is not permanent, but do take good care of it. Don't get too attached to it as it is wearing out. It must last until we are ready for the new one.