“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Is your body creaking and aching at times? Is it slowing down or acting up? Is it growing weak and unreliable? Do you find yourself moaning or groaning from time to time because it isn’t what it once was or won’t do what it used to do? If so, that’s OK – that actually helps accomplish God’s good purpose for your life!
As Paul wrestled with his own experience of bodily weakness, he helps us understand the glorious dynamic of having God’s glory stored up in our fragile, aging bodies. He compares our body to the ordinary clay jars that were widely used to store food and drink in those days. Such jars were inexpensive, nothing special, fairly breakable, and easily discarded. Likewise, our bodies are nothing special in the grand scheme of things. They break down over time. But for Christians, what’s inside us is pure gold!!!
As a follower of Jesus, you are new creation. The Holy Spirit lives in you. Your body is a temple of God. You are in union with Jesus Christ. You are a royal ambassador of heaven! And yet, your body will inevitably break down. You may struggle with age, fatigue, illness, or disability. It’s OK! The stark contrast of the extraordinary stored in the ordinary, the unbreakable stored in the fragile reveals God’s infinite power. Because our bodies are weak, the power of God within us shines more clearly to the watching, unbelieving world. Our physical breakdown is a testimony to the Gospel! Embrace any bodily weakness and let it tell the world about God’s strength!
When you experience affliction, turn to God for the strength to keep going and keep sharing the treasure of the Gospel. When you’re confused about what’s going wrong with your body, turn to God for the strength to keep going and keep sharing the treasure of the Gospel. When you’re physically persecuted, don’t give up and don’t fight back. Turn to God for the strength to keep going and keep sharing the treasure of the Gospel. When you’re knocked down, turn to God for the strength to get up, keep going, and keep sharing the treasure of the Gospel. #FollowJesus