Press On For God’s Grace Is Sufficient For Me
BRD REFLECTIONS
2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 81 (NIV)
(Vincent Hong, Steward, LCEC)
READ:
2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 81 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, He reminded us that we have this treasure in jars of clay in 2 Corinthians 4:7. In his context, the treasure here is the gospel and we are referenced as a jar of clay. Paul referred us as a jar of clay for two good reasons. One, we are temporary vessels of His good news as our life on earth is short, and two, we are fragile and can be easily broken.
God calls us to spread the gospel of Jesus to the world and proclaim the light of Jesus in the darkness of this broken world. Paul went on to say that the god of this age, Satan will do what he can to blind the eyes and minds of non-believers to keep them from receiving the good news. We will also be experiencing sufferings and persecution as we spread the gospel of Jesus, but Paul is confident that God will sustain us and carry us through, because the one who raised Christ from the dead will raise us up too.
APPLY:
This passage reminds me of so many occasions in my life when I felt discouraged, defeated and wanted to give up serving Him. New stumbling blocks come one after another, making me second-guess if I have made the right choice to step up to serve Him. However, every time without fail God will show me signs that He knows my pain and sorrow. He will send me encouragements and help me through the living testimonies and experiences of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, reassuring me that I am not alone and that I will have the strength to press on if I learn to rely on Him and totally surrender myself to Him.
DO:
There will always be new challenges and obstacles that attempt to break me, make me want to throw in the towel as I continue to serve the Lord in His ministry. I must not quit easily and must never lose sight of God’s eternal reward. I must constantly remind myself that all the sufferings and hardships are only temporary in this life time, but the glory of eternity far outweighs and outlasts anything that can happen to me now.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that without You I am easily broken by this world, just like jars of clay. But in Your eyes, we are all uniquely made and come in different shapes and sizes to carry out Your purpose and plan. I will learn to submit myself to You under all circumstances because I know that You will pick me up when I am weak, and You will fill my cup when I am dry. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your strength is made perfect when I am weak. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
