Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 

We are afflicted in every way 

but not crushed; 

we are perplexed 

but not in despair; 

we are persecuted 

but not abandoned; 

we are struck down 

but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 CSB

This extraordinary piece of writing is connected to what Paul said about where the power comes from and who he is in all this trouble:

A jar of clay, an ordinary vessel, an ordinary person that is afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, & struck down.

Maybe you can relate. 

To be

not crushed

not in despair

not abandoned

not destroyed

the power for those 'nots' is from God. 

Paul needed God's power to stand. 

And we do too. 

You don't have to do this in your own strength, your own power.

A simple prayer:

"Lord, I'm stuck"

"Lord I'm despairing"

Acknowledge who He is, our need, and then step out, step forward, press on, get up, change your thoughts, change your action...

We are not alone in this.

#corinthians

#youareBeloved