2 Cor. 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Lord Jesus, you are the treasure all currencies mimic and counterfeit. To have you plus nothing would make us as rich as anybody in the cosmos. Nothing compares to the excellency of being known, desired, and loved by you. Make this more real to us than ever.
You inhabit our weakness like a Rembrandt, Monet, or van Gogh in a frame of straw and Elmer’s Glue. You get all the attention and honor, and we have the honor of revealing your magnificence and beauty—just the way it should be.
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Unlike Paul, very few of us are in a season of persecution. But we all relate to his images of being hard pressed and perplexed. Our various stories and difficulties, concerns and heartaches tax our limits and drive us to you—which is a good thing. Our sorrows and challenges have an expiration date. Your grace and love don’t.
10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Jesus, help us know and accept our limits. We don’t ask for greater competency or an easy life, but a closer walk with you. Remind us we need you just as much when life is easy as when it’s hard. We want to finish our lives as conduits of your beauty and love, truth and kindness. Make it so, Lord. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.