Category: 2 Corinthians

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… (2 Corinthians 4:7-8).

Some days…it just doesn’t make sense.

Any of it.

This world, with its evil and darkness and pain.  I mean, how is it that they can’t see the wickedness all around them for what it is? How can they so willingly embrace lies?

And am I any better?  Failing over and over to do what I know I should do, to be who I know I should be?

Even God, for that matter.  Seriously, what is he doing in this world?   In my life?

I suppose he knows—I’ve bet my forever on it.  Still…

It all seems so hopeless sometimes…except that Hope Himself lives within me.

And within you.

He is the treasure in this clay jar.  I will not despair.

Hold on to Hope today, Beloved.

Treasure the treasure.

Happy Wednesday.

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… (2 Corinthians 4:7-8).

There’s a science experiment I remember doing as a kid.  You take a metal container of some kind—it has to be metal, and it has to have a lid.  Fill the container about halfway with water and set it on the stove.  Heat it until the water inside is boiling, then turn off the heat and screw the lid onto the container.

Then you wait…

As the container cools, it begins to implode.  It’s like some giant, unseen hand is squeezing the can. The whole thing crumples right before your eyes.  Way cool.

Why does the can crumple?  Pretty simple, really.  By boiling the water, you increase the air pressure inside the can and drive much of the air out.  As the can cools, the air pressure drops, and the can tries to suck more air in—except it can’t, because you put the cap on.  You end up with a can that has very little air inside.  The outside air pressure—the weight of the world, so to speak—literally crushes it.

Tell me you’re making the connection.

You, Beloved, are not empty inside.  You are filled with the treasure of His truth.  This world and all its pressures—crushing as they are—will not destroy you.

So there.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7).

The Gospel.

The greatest of gifts.  The very truth of God’s love and sacrifice on our behalf.  A message with the power to change lives and worlds, and God puts it where?

In us.

Seriously?  Weak, fumbling, neurotic us?

Yep.

Why?

Well, he tells us, doesn’t he, Beloved?  He did it to show the world—and remind us—that it is his power at work and not ours.    

Look, I don’t know what big plans you have for this week, but we both know…

Not without Him.

Furthermore, I don’t know what troubles are coming your way this week.  For some of us, it’s bound to be pretty rough.  So, God wants you to know, here and now, that He is the one working in you…through you…

For you.

Whether today’s a hunkering down kinda day or a venturing forth kinda day, you are not doing it on your own.  Which, we can both admit, is a good thing.

Happy Monday, Beloved.