Read
2 Corinthians 4:7-9, "'Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed."
Think
In ancient times, clay jars were created by skilled potters who took raw clay, shaped it, then baked it. These jars were used to store sacred scrolls or important documents. No matter what these jars looked like, they all had one thing in common – they were breakable. The contents could not be housed in these jars of clay forever. Though the contents were valuable, the jars were purely "temporary housing."
Sometimes we focus on our limitations: "I'm not sure what to say." "I don't have the strength to do it." "I don't have the skills I need." We feel like the challenges we face are more than we can handle.
That's when we need to remember that our bodies are just "temporary housing." The real treasure is inside of us. Through our relationship with Jesus, we have everything we need to help us withstand the pressure and overcome the odds. Our limitations remind us that, in our weakness, Jesus is our strength; and in our ordinary, Jesus gives us His extraordinary!
Act
Print off a picture of a clay jar and write this verse at the top. Place it somewhere you will see it regularly. Then, when you face a situation that seems like it may crush or destroy you – you will know that your power comes from God!
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus and the promise that You are greater, no matter what I face! In Jesus' name, Amen.