Despair
Today’s Scripture Selection: Second Corinthians 4:7-9
It is one of the selections from scripture which I love most of all:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
It speaks so poignantly about how we are so fragile in some ways – like simple clay jars – and so easily damaged. And yet, it speaks so powerfully about the fact that this is by design, so that God’s power can be so obviously at work.
If we were always strong, always capable, always in control, always sure, never afraid, never at fault – we would be quick to claim all the credit for what we have done in life as solely our own doing. And, sadly, many try to do that.
But, painfully aware of our limitations, weaknesses, faults, and sin – we can bear testimony to the life changing power of God all the more.
We need never, ever despair.
We may be tempted to do so, now and then.
But if we tap into the ever ready, ever available, powerful love of God – despair need not be our destination – no matter how tough life is in the moment.
So celebrate this fact – this nature that is yours – of being a “treasure” in a “clay jar.” It is the very way of experiencing God’s work in your life – and bearing testimony to it – again and again.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for working as you do, in my life. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 