2 Corinthians 4:7-11 “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; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

This portrait of the Christian life is so foreign to our Americanized Western Christianity.

Here, the picture painted is of a people constantly or at least repeatedly brought to the end of themselves by circumstances of every kind, SO THAT, His supernatural sustaining power might be demonstrated through us – IN us.

It is interesting to note that people often quote: “. On no soul doth [God] Place a burden greater than it can bear.” – or something to that effect. The problem is, that quote doesn’t come from the Bible, but rather is from Surah 2:286 from the Qur’an.

The truth is Believer, while we are alive in these bodies, we are always being given over to circumstances which would seem to destroy us. Things far too great for us to bear apart from God’s grace. Why? Because by means of it – he brings others to life. It is beyond our comprehension. And for at least this reason – that others may see us sustained beyond our capacities, in making him manifest. We become burning bushes so to speak. On fire, but not consumed. Supernaturally upheld.

Dear Saint, you who have been tested and tried and who have thought that it must mean God has abandoned you or is hanging you out to dry for some unknown reason – listen to this passage. As we experience these things not only in terms of deliberate persecution, but also in the simple trials of life, the breakdown of our bodies, sinful human interaction, our battles with indwelling sin, natural disasters and the like. Each of these individually and collectively trouble us but do not crush us; perplex us but do not drive us to despair; knock us down, but do not destroy us. Because of Christ Jesus.

Ease, success, plenty and no adversity are not the presupposed norms of the Christian life. It is just the opposite. And those who would tell you different, are not reliable. This reality remains unknown to them.

You in Christ who are standing today in the midst of severe trial, and know full well that you are not doing it by means of even the smallest ability of your own – He is manifesting Himself to the rest of us in your mortal flesh.

The “treasure” is v-6, the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – doesn’t shine through except by virtue of our cracks. Through the stress fractures that trials bring. Through cracks, that irrespective of their severity, allow us to bear the glory of the risen Christ without loss.

Crackpots by the score will tell us that the “abundant life” is one of supernatural ease, prosperity and uninterrupted bliss. But we know the supernatural wonder of being cracked pots, in whom dwell the glory of Christ – beaming out while we are inexplicably sustained.

The world doesn’t need to see self-confident heroes. It needs the Christ of self-doubting sinners, trusting the Savior alone and putting no stock in circumstances pleasant or adverse. To see us endure the unimaginable by the invisible glory that holds us together; the indwelling presence of the Living Lord.

Don’t be afraid of being weak. Be afraid when you begin to think you can stand no matter what, rather than relying upon him for every breath. Our Lord, never lets his own go – no matter what.