Jars of Clay

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ~2 Corinthians 4-9

We have a great power and truth that resides in us, the person and Spirit of Jesus Christ. But this treasure is housed in a fragile body. It is encompassed in our humanity. A humanity that is easily bruised and cracked by the daily tragedies and consequences of life. We have fragile hearts that have been wounded by others and sometimes by ourselves. There are so many things that occur daily that our outside of our control and the jar gets tussled. It rocks unsteadily and we pray, holding our breathes, hoping that it doesn't fall of the shelf.

Here's the thing though. The reality of our fragile state is real, but our suffering can cause us to not focus so much on what "houses" the treasure, but rather on the treasure itself. When we shift our focus from the pain and weariness of being in a fragile state we can recognize and begin to see the Great Comforter that lives within. The treasure, our relationship with Him, steadied us. We feel His presence as we go through the fire to remove the dross on the earthen jars. We feel Him with us as He feels in the cracks and makes us new. We see the hope of one day have a body that won't rust and decay.

So the pain and pressure of being caught between rocks hard places becomes more bearable as we cling to the truth that yes this hurts, but I am not going to be crushed and defeated. The confusion of why is the happening is balanced by the truth that our trust in our treasure ( Christ) will keep despair at bay because we know He is interceding on our behalf. The arrows of persecution from the enemy that wants to accuse us will not prosper. The isolation from being misunderstood by our friends and loved ones will be offset because we stand on the truth that He will never leaves us. We may feel like it's all too much and the world may look dark, but our Redeemer lives. We will not be destroyed because our treasure has already conquered death.

I do not want dismiss anyone's pain. Suffering is real and the pain is too. When I was going through a Job experience it was hard to believe that it would ever get better. He believed for me. His grace kept me. I was not as mature as I am now, but He has given me a perspective on my suffering. It was to increase my faith and to be able to witness and identify with others. It was for His glory. His glory gives is not God being getting self adulation. His glory opens us up to receive the best, God Himself. It is His light, live, and righteousness shining upon us.  For His glory I will do anything.

Praying for us all. Be blessed.