2 Corinthians 4:7-9
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that 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.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)
“We’re all only one prayer away from a testimony.” – Anne Wilson
While driving to work this morning, my mind racing with to-dos, the above lyric from the song “God Story” caught my attention and snapped me out of my worrying trance.
Oh, how often we let our earthly frailties and troubles bring us down. I don’t know about you, but my list of people to pray for, send a card to, or drop off a meal for seems to multiply by the day. It’s overwhelming. I’ve learned not to question God’s plans, but sometimes I can’t help but cry, “Why?!”
The jars of clay in today’s verses represent us. We’re easily frightened, fragile, and flawed. Our earthly bodies take a beating through the years. However, we carry a priceless treasure within – the Gospel and God’s all-surpassing power. Our lives, even with their imperfections, can become powerful testimonies at any second. We are not crushed, abandoned, or destroyed. We might be only one prayer away from change.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you keep going when it feels like your prayers go unanswered and the treasure in your jar has evaporated?
- Have you considered that perhaps God has been sustaining you all along? Through the skilled doctor that gave thorough care, through the former colleague that found you employment, through the includer that extended an invite, through the neighbor that dropped off a meal, and through so many others. Perhaps that, in and of itself, is an answered prayer?
Prayer:
Dear God, when we feel hard pressed on every side, perplexed, or persecuted, remind us of Your power and of Your earthly helpers. Rescue us from our troubles. Let our lives become influential testimonies of Your goodness and grace. Amen.
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