Thursday, August 4, 2011

Broken Jar

As a child I remember both my paternal grandmother (who was from Mexico) and my father (until recently when his was accidently broken) both used clay jars to store money. I am sure that way back in the day that was one of the places that many stored their money, given that it was a common ordinary "staple" in a household. We are just like that fragile jar; we can all seem quite ordinary, but once broken (on many levels) we are able to see the treasure that lies within. We can see the "jar's" priceless contents. In the next scripture we are compared to the clay jar (meaning that we are fragile, weak, earthly vessels); however the focus of this next scripture isn't about the earthly vessel, but about how He uses us the power to do His work and uses us to spread His word. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

These next few verses Paul reminds us that at times we may feel as though we are in such deep despair, that our world has fallen in on us, and that we are at the end of our rope; however, we always, always have hope in Jesus. Christ has won the victory over any trial, tribulation, or distress that we are going through. As difficult as it may seem, during these times, we must focus on using these troubles as opportunities to minister to others. For when we do this we allow the "riches" of our clay jars shine through our "brokeness" for Jesus. "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)

Just as my father's ordinary clay jar was easily broken and crushed; you may be feeling that same way in your life. It may seem like there is no light at the end of your tunnel. It seems like those around you like family or friends that you felt would always be there for you have turned their backs on you or maybe your co-workers began gossiping about you and it seems as though your reputation has been destroyed. Maybe it is that you or a loved one are having earth-shattering health issues that seem devastating in the moment. Know that even though darkness comes through the light, know that joy comes in the morning!

Share with other believers, that you know will help speak into your life, your struggles, heartaches, and true and honest feelings. Or be that listening ear to a friend that may need your compassion and uplift them with God's life giving words.

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