2 Corinthians 4:7-12

 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is
from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but
not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that
the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always
being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our
mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.


MEDITATION
1. Paul was contrasting the weak and ordinary character of the messenger with
the overwhelming power of the message.  Paul found himself under pressure,
perplexed, persecuted, knocked to the ground.  Everything in his experience
reminded him that the dynamic power that had marked his ministry had no
source in him.  He credited Jesus, who saves all those who believe in Him, with
the fact that despite his weaknesses he had not been crushed, nor drowned in
despair, nor abandoned or destroyed.
2. Don’t let a sense of personal weakness keep you from serving God.  The fact
that we are weak is the backdrop against which the incomparable power of
God is revealed.


Personal Note:
Perplexed:  trouble with uncertainty; despair: hopelessness or lack of hope.  God's power is displayed in my weaknesses.  It is in fact God uses the weak to shame those who think they are strong apart from God.


I am the clay jar (ordinary, nothing fancy) that holds on to the treasure of Jesus Christ.  He is beautiful and glorious.  The power of God forgives all sins and bring restoration and healing to this hopeless world.