We Have This Treasure

"But we have this treasure in clay pots so that the awesome power belongs to God and doesn't come from us. We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren't crushed. We are confused, but we aren't depressed. We are harassed, but we aren't abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren't knocked out.

We always carry Jesus' death around in our bodies so that Jesus' life can also be seen in our bodies. We who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus' sake so that Jesus' life can also be seen in our bodies that are dying. So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

I've had a tough week. It's been back to work after the holidays, packing away the Christmas decorations, and returning to a routine. A beloved cousin of my husband's died, and I was viciously attacked by a vigilante group "in the name of the church." I've had better weeks!

Sometimes when you are at your most vulnerable you are open to a word from God. At the funeral of Garland's cousin, J. W. "Pete" Mangum, Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, of First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, MS preached on this text from 2 Corinthians. Though a sinner and a weak vessel, Pete lived a life for Christ. He was a wonderful man who loved God and loved his family. I never heard a bad word spoken about him.

In my personal time of trouble, I needed to be reminded of the solid rock upon which I stand - Christ Jesus. Whatever tempts or rocks my fragile, weak vessel, I have a protector who is greater than any sin or evil which this world may throw at me.

Sometimes the "death" in our lives threatens to obscure the glimpses of Christ's life showing through our own. We need to lean on God, asking Him to put this death in subjection to His will, so that the light of Jesus might shine through us into the world.

At the family lunch today after Pete's funeral, my husband's guide dog, Maddie, was surrounded by Pete's great-grandchildren. The love of family is a powerful balm and healer. Thanks be to God for the gift of family, and of His son, Jesus!