For Tuesday, August 30

The Fragile Part

Job 34:1-36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12

(2 Corinthians) 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.

I really relate to the "clay jars" part of this verse. I'm guessing Paul primarily meant "we don't look very flashy," but I relate to the "fragile and limited" part. The mission is so big and I am so limited. The key phrase is "the real power comes from God and not from us." I must remember this each day, each contact, each moment of devotion to Jesus. There are such major efforts that need to be effective to the work of God's Kingdom to move forward. I have had the experience of my "clayness" being used by God's power and impact. I need that to be my experience continually. This is true for personal issues and concerns as well as kingdom items. And it needs to be true every day.

Lord Jesus - Help me to always remember it is from Your Spirit that power comes. It is Your Presence that makes impact. It is Your Life in me that directs to influence and help. I glad welcome this and declare both my need and intention to life in this way.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)