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.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Adversity, difficult times, anxiousness, the unknown. How are we to live and operate within the confines of this broken world? We are believers, yet what do we believe?
Paul, in his early days of ministry found difficulties surrounding him and his companions at every turn. How did react? What were their defaults?
At times, we feel like we want to tap out, the pressure seems so great, the obstacles too high. During these moments, what do we believe, where do we turn, how do we overcome adversity and do it well?
There are four questions we must ask ourselves and the answers will dictate the end.
- Who are we?
- Who is God?
- How do we overcome?
- What are the results?
Who are we?
Paul describes us as jars of clay. Some Bible translations describe humanity as earthen vessels. We are fragile, common vessels – very average, nothing special on our own. Yet, we are handmade by our Creator. Isaiah 64:8 describes us as, “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Fragile in our human state, on our own we are easily breakable, easily expendable. Yet, something miraculous happens to us when God resides within.
Second Corinthians 4:7 tells us, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” God in his mercy and grace has chosen to dwell in us through the Holy Spirit.
With God, we are priceless. His love for us knows no end. We are a reflection of Him. We are strong and can overcome.
Who is God?
This passage describes God as a treasure. The imagery of the all-powerful God residing in us through His Spirit and revealing to the world His glory is almost incomprehensible. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 4:6 we read, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
In darkness, in hopelessness, in grief, God’s Spirit resides in us stamping out the darkness. God overcame the darkest experience that could ever come upon creation … his defeating death on the cross for the sins of mankind. He is the ultimate overcomer. He overcame death and the grave so that you and I could live victorious with Him.
How do we overcome?
Paul speaks of the struggles he and his companions experience and describe them as:
“hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.”
(2 Corinthians 4:8)
What did they know that helped them overcome adversity?
- They knew God … not just about Him, but really knew Him. They knew His character, His power, His strength and His Lordship.
- They had faith that just as Jesus was raised from the dead so would they. What’s the worst that could happen to them? Death … which is really eternal life.
- They didn’t lose heart. They had hope. Even though their earthly bodies were fading and their obstacles were overwhelming, their spirits were being renewed daily, strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- Their earthly troubles were small compared to the greatness of what awaited for them in eternity.
- Their adversity was temporary but their eternal hope was forever.
We can overcome adversity in similar fashion.
What are the results?
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) As we turn our eyes and feelings of our hearts from focusing on the adversity and troubles around us, and instead move them to focus on Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit living in us, we will overcome anything and everything that comes into our lives.
We will be strengthen as we remember to:
- Focus on the eternal.
- Overcome adversity through His Spirit. Jesus has the final word over our adversity and we will overcome through His Spirit living in and through us.
- Reveal God’s nature through our adversity.
And in all things to remember that, “we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
