Devotional

2 Corinthians 4:6-9: For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

The great missionary, Paul, addressed these verses to the church at Corinth, one of the wealthiest and most wicked cities of its time, despite a growing Jewish population. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give up their pagan ways for Christian life. Today, although we may not consider ourselves to be pagan, we struggle with sin.

Jesus is the One who illuminates all the darkest and most hidden places within us. It is through Him that we can experience the wonder of God's glory, although we can hardly fathom it. He does not promise through the blessing of His greatness that we will know only sunshine and flowers for the remainder of our days. But this scripture does reiterate to me that when I surrender my life to Him, I am an earthen vessel wherein His power may shine and bless, not only myself, but others, as well. This is so, not because of who I am, but because of Him.

We all have experienced challenges with health, family, finances and spiritual understanding, and sometimes it is easier to feel sorry for ourselves instead of grateful for the opportunities. You might ask, "What opportunities?" Every challenge brings us that much closer to the suffering of Jesus as He was growing into His responsibility and life mission. There are plenty of opportunities for learning affliction that do not bring us to feel crushed, despairing, forsaken or destroyed. In the process, we develop a deeper commitment to live for the Lord and a more tender compassion for His children. Will you join me today in praying that we might all better allow His glory to shine through us?