Gospel Truth

 

 Gospel Truth

“Now we have the treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted 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. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 7-10

How can the words afflicted, crushed, perplexed, despair, abandoned be explained in a way of us receiving extraordinary power? 

Paul is an example to us of someone who just kept running his race to spread the love of God to a world that God was misrepresented. He knew what that meant to experience persecution, abandonment, despair, in more many ways than I will ever know. In that he learned what it meant for Christ to meet him in his weaknesses. It is in those weaknesses the power of God can provide a way of escape to endure. It is learning that in this fleshly body and mind I can find the power to move forward. Continually surrendering all of the things holding me back and forgetting my thoughts to allowing the His truth to replace mine. It is always in those areas of growing me God is showing me my weaknesses. I don't like that part of the process but know it is necessary. Conviction is waking up. Repentance is getting up. "Father, I am sorry for thinking I could do any of this on my own. Forgive me and help me in this weakness of putting myself in charge." You lead the way Holy Spirit..

Perfection isn’t needed or required. His power is made perfect in our weakness!

Treasure in a clay jar. Vessels to carry His Gospel truth for all mankind. Darkness to light made possible through our messy lives. Our weaknesses are displayed for others to see so that they can see the power of Jesus living in us. Jesus is the focus. 

What if we asked to reveal what that was and trusted His promise to provide? Tell Him. Ask Him. 

Father,

We matter more to you than we will ever understand. I want to bring you things of my doing and you don’t require that. You ask for an obedient heart.

You tell us the sacrifice pleasing to you is coming to you and asking. We don’t have it but know you do. Fill us to overflow with your Gospel Truth. Living out our lives with you Jesus is walking them out being renewed day after day. More of you and less us me.

Amen