“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Treasure:  Something of great worth or value. Also:  A person esteemed as rare or precious

When we understand that this treasure is like a toolbox filled with everything we will need to live, namely Jesus, our hope and joy increase because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!   

So, as 2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 states….

We are afflicted in every way…but not Every day we are afflicted in various ways. We can be discouraged if we don’t lean on God’s promises and fill up on Hope! He has also given us a family!

“The family of God” is where we can find comfort, encouragement, and support in times of trials and tribulations.  We all, at times, may feel drained from the daily responsibilities in the world but thank God we are not crushed. We have His Word and each other💛

Perplexed, but not driven to despair 

We can feel very perplexed over the disappointing issues happening in our lives and the lives of those we care for. Not just our loved ones but also the leaders of our churches, our nation, our schools, and the world as a whole. There are too many to discuss, but today’s issues are way more disturbing than even 10 years ago. 

Yet…because we have Christ…we are not driven to despair. 

 Persecuted, but not forsaken!

We are not forsaken. Jesus said He will never leave us, nor forsake us.  That means even when we don’t feel His presence, He’s right here. as close as our breath!  

Although we are emotional beings and can, and do “feel” like we are alone and even forsaken at times, I believe there is a reason for this.

Think of the child learning to ride her bike and her father letting go so she can ride without his help. She’s frightened but also excited to be able to ride her bike on her own.

Sometimes, We mistake His wisdom for abandonment. 

Struck down but not destroyed!

No matter how many times we feel like we’ve been stuck down, by the enemy, in spirit, mind, emotions, physically and any other way, we are not destroyed. God will always turn every trial and attack against us and those we love, into something good; For those who love Him and His beloved Son, Jesus!

Jesus is the Treasure that we carry within us. Our job is to guard it (our testimony) and share Him with the world. We must allow His light to shine through us.

Let’s try and let Him do the talking through us!

““The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If people truly want the truth, they will hear Him 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬