The Beauty of Fragility
As I gaze upon my treasured pottery, now scarred and worn, I’m reminded of the profound words of 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.”
A Lesson from Earthenware
My beloved pottery, a wedding gift nearly two decades ago, has seen its fair share of damage. Despite my best efforts to repair it, the cracks persist, a testament to its fragility. As I contemplate its retirement, I’m struck by the parallels between my earthenware and the clay jars mentioned in Scripture.
The Humility of Clay Jars
In ancient times, clay jars were far from prestigious. They were ordinary, prone to breakage, and often discarded. Yet, it’s precisely this humble, fragile vessel that Paul uses to illustrate the nature of believers. We, too, are fragile, susceptible to cracks and imperfections. But it’s within these vulnerabilities that the Spirit of God dwells, empowering us to share the message of salvation with others.
The Treasure Within
The same Spirit that fed the multitudes and raised Jesus from the dead resides within me, a mere mortal. This treasure, entrusted to me, is not meant to be hidden; rather, it’s designed to overflow, sharing the blessings of Christ with those around me. When I’m jostled, bumped, or cracked, the Spirit’s presence saturates the environment, spreading hope and pointing others to Christ.
Embracing Weakness
In a world that often values strength and perfection, it’s counterintuitive to celebrate fragility. Yet, it’s precisely our weaknesses that provide the canvas for God’s power to shine. When we’re tested, our cracks and imperfections become opportunities for the Spirit to leak out, sharing the Good News with those around us.
A Prayer for Courage
Heavenly Father, thank you for dwelling within me. Help me to use my struggles and weaknesses to share the hope that only Jesus provides. Grant me strength and courage to demonstrate and proclaim the beautiful hope You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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