2 Corinthians 4:7-9  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Christ’s disciples are likened to clay pots holding a precious cargo.  Biblical times were filled with common, inexpensive, breakable baked clay pots.  Even though they were disposable, these common clay pots would frequently hold priceless gems.  Then, the contents of the pot determined its worth.  As disciples of Christ, we hold the key to the gospel – the good news of Christ’s love and transformative power.  Jesus Christ lives within us.

There may be moments when you feel like a cracked pot, an unworthy receptacle for that wealth.  “Why would God place such a priceless object in a broken vessel like me?”  He does this, “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Put another way, our frailty is necessary to what He does, not fatal!  God makes it very evident that salvation is the outcome of His power and not our own by utilising weak and disposable people like you and me.  The weakness of the clay pot is subdued and transcended by the immense strength of God.

Consider it.  The very flaws you believe to be your downfall are actually what make you stronger because you recognise and rely on God’s power. Consider the four areas that Paul disclosed in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.

• We often suffer, but we are never crushed.

• Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up.

• In times of trouble, God is with us…

• When we are knocked down, we get up again.

Have your own shortcomings brought you to your knees?  The enemy can exploit disappointment and failure to keep you low. You are able to stand by the grace of God!  The world needs to see the wealth you hold in your clay pot.  Allow His strength to shine through your frailty. Pray with me now …

Forgive me, Lord, for forgetting that it’s not about me. I’ve been looking at the vessel, focusing on all the imperfections of this clay pot, and missing the wonderful treasure it contains.  You live in me!  How grateful I am to contain such a treasure as Christ; to show through my own weaknesses that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from me.  Let your light shine through me today. Amen