my great reward
When I was in high school my momma wrote the verses below on a three by five card, put a sticker on it, and gave it to me one of the many times I went away to boarding school. The Lord has regularly brought back these words to my mind when I feel broken.
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies."
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NLT
God is teaching me and molding me... every day a little more and more. His Word and His people give me comfort and encouragement. The one thing that God is relentlessly teaching me over and over again is that I am capable with His power to get through whatever He sends my way.
As broken as I feel it is this brokenness that changes me into His image.
The bottom line is this: I have hope. Hope for each day. I have a new and precious day to grow in the knowledge and grace and understanding of my Savior.
I have hope for my current circumstances. Finances. Where home is. Who I spend my days with... I have hope that each day is a gift. Every hour has a purpose. I have hope for a future. Whatever and whenever it comes... He is in control.
So while things are not "my" perfect. He is. His love brings perfection to each new day. I can do this through His grace and mercy. He promises His power. I will not be crushed by my plans that fall through. I will not be driven to despair when things don't happen (the way I think they should). I am NEVER abandoned or destroyed... and while I may be pressed on every side, perplexed, hunted down, and knocked down I am all this for His glory. Those cracks in my vessel... my brokenness reveal HIM - my great treasure.
"After this, the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.”"
Genesis 15:1 NIV
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies."
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NLT
God is teaching me and molding me... every day a little more and more. His Word and His people give me comfort and encouragement. The one thing that God is relentlessly teaching me over and over again is that I am capable with His power to get through whatever He sends my way.
As broken as I feel it is this brokenness that changes me into His image.
The bottom line is this: I have hope. Hope for each day. I have a new and precious day to grow in the knowledge and grace and understanding of my Savior.
I have hope for my current circumstances. Finances. Where home is. Who I spend my days with... I have hope that each day is a gift. Every hour has a purpose. I have hope for a future. Whatever and whenever it comes... He is in control.
So while things are not "my" perfect. He is. His love brings perfection to each new day. I can do this through His grace and mercy. He promises His power. I will not be crushed by my plans that fall through. I will not be driven to despair when things don't happen (the way I think they should). I am NEVER abandoned or destroyed... and while I may be pressed on every side, perplexed, hunted down, and knocked down I am all this for His glory. Those cracks in my vessel... my brokenness reveal HIM - my great treasure.
"After this, the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.”"
Genesis 15:1 NIV
Amen! I'm scared to ask God to teach me more of this. Ouch! Praying for you daily...several times. Love you. Thanks for the note.:0) It made my day!
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