“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.” 2nd Corinthians 4:7-9.

The longer we live, the more we figure out the truth that life on this earth gives us one pain after another. How do you handle those painful and frustrating hours of life without the loving and comforting presence of God and His wonderful and amazing help? No wonder why many end up in addictions and die in hopelessness. Life without the creator and loving God would eventually result only in resentment and depression.

Beloved, you must have hope to go on and live in the midst of all that it throws at you. That is exactly what God gives to those who need it – a full measure of hope and powerful grace to face the challenges of life. You need God, His wonderful promises and God-breathed words recorded in the pages of the Bible. You need the Gospel – the light of God’s glory displayed in Christ Jesus, the only savior of the world.

Apostle Paul who was called by God for His ministry says, “We have this treasure in jars of clay.” You see we live now on this earth in ‘jars of clay’. How true it is! Jars of clay could be destroyed at any time because of its fragile nature. However, remember there is something divine inside us- the surpassing power of God. And this power inside us is not from us. The divine power inside us helps us when we are hard-pressed on every side. You see, we are crushed, perplexed, but not left in despair. Of course, we are persecuted but not abandoned. We are struck down, but praise to God we are not destroyed.

You see beloved, everything that happens to people happens to us. We are not exempt from such things. However, we have the abiding presence of God and His power in us and that helps us keep on going. Not in our strength or ability, but His powerful grace, peace, and hope.

The paradoxical nature of the ministers of Christ. The weakness of the great missionary of God –Apostle Paul- and the surpassing power of God to preserve him and his work. ‘Jars of clay’ and the illumination of God’s glory and power by the light inside it –the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Not just for ministers of Christ, but for all of us to continue living in this sin-bound world requires a full measure of hope and grace only God lavishly provides in the person of Jesus Christ. God knew we need this in super-size these days, and He already made it available. Remember what is Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Beloved, do you have the grace, peace and hope that God gives in Jesus Christ? The presence of His powerful grace, peace, hope and the surpassing power of the gospel makes you perfect in weaknesses.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, You provide your treasure in jars of clay. I need your treasure inside me-the illuminating light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want your grace, peace, and hope. I invite Jesus Christ into my life. I believe He is my savior who died and rose again in my place for all of my sins and mistakes. Please save me and grant me your treasure in me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”