“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We’re 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.” 2Cor.4:7-10
Dear Jesus, comparing my challenges to the Apostle Paul’s is like comparing me holding a ukulele to The Beatles, Flip Flops to Birkenstocks, canned sardines to filet mignon. There is no comparison. But Paul’s freedom to speak of treasure and anguish in the same sentence is very convicting and encouraging to me.
Jesus, you are the treasure—not treasure giver. In my most Gospel-sane moments, I easily affirm that you are all I need and want, and more than I can imagine and hope. Free me to be 100 times more enthralled with your goodness and beauty than whiny and blame-full about my stress and disappointments.
Though there are moments/seasons when throwing in the towel, choosing a different story, or running to a distant land seem incredibly attractive, where else would I (we) go but to you? Only you give the words of life, the riches of grace, and the hope of glory.
You didn’t come into our world to be our fix and fixer, but our Savior and life. If being weak best reveals your awesomeness, keep me weak. If the aroma of grace is most fully released through “cracks” in my jar-of-clay-ness, don’t patch up my cracks. Reveal more of yourself to me and through me, Jesus. There is no greater privilege, joy, and honor. So Very Amen.