Jars Of Clay

Image by Pink Sherbet Photography via Flickr

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. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus' life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11

This is one of those verses that really brings us down to earth with its earthy realism and honesty. Paul was admitting to being pressured, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. Doesn't sound like the "come to Jesus and have your whole life fixed" gospel does it? But it is what being a Christian is all about. We look to the wonderful promises of Scripture and they are mind bogglingly WONDERFUL, and at the same time sometimes struggle to keep our eyes on the goal.

I was very blessed this week by visiting Lauren at Faithfuel and hearing about her current struggles and how she is trying to put her hand in His. I have been realising how important it is to be honest when it comes to our own Christian experience. This is very difficult indeed and we can cover up our fears and failings with all sorts of stuff. We all know what that stuff is. However, just having one pair of ears to hear our worst is enough to relieve the pressure and remembering that His power is made perfect in our weakness, and that His grace is sufficient, may not send us off dancing with joy, but it will help us to get through the day if we let Him in.