Jars of Clay

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10.

I struggle from time to time understanding this Scripture. The whole treasures in jars of clay imagery is often a mystery to me. It seems that I only understand it in light of a personal struggle. And I’m in the midst of that right now. I believe this is a time of crushing in my life. This is an instance that God is choosing to crush me, not for myself, but so that His glory may shine. That is what I want more than anything when it all comes down to it. I want to glorify my Heavenly Father. The scripture says we are not crushed, just afflicted. But I pretty much feel crushed. No other word for it right now! I am perplexed. How can my obedience to God be right when it causes someone else so much pain? I really am at peace with my decision, but it hurts to know that my obedience is hurting someone else. I am perplexed at this. I don’t understand this about my God, but I know that His ways and thoughts are higher than mine, so as Paul says, I am not driven to despair. I am persecuted. It hurts, but I know that God has not forsaken me. A good friend reminded me yesterday that there is no instance from Scripture where God has turned his back on a servant who chose to follow Him. I know that God will not forsake me. I’m trying to hold on to that hope. I feel struck down. I feel struck down mentally, physically, and emotionally, but spiritually, I know that I am not destroyed! I know that the jar of clay represents God being able to use us and mold us and even to seep through the parts where we are broken. I pray that God will use my brokenness to remind me of His glory, His love, and His comfort. I pray that through my brokenness, His glory may be revealed to this one that is hurting. I don’t know how that is going to happen, but I know that God is God and acts in everything to display His glory. I am trusting in this now. God use my brokenness, my perplexity, my persecution, my struck downness (I know that’s not really a word, but hey!) for your glory!