“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Every born-again believer has been commissioned to carry the good news to this lost and dying world. This is certainly a formidable feat- “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. But we will never be defeated…the apostle Paul in the book of second Corinthians discusses the wonderful treasure that we possess to successfully carry-out our divine mission.

It is a blessing to know that God has never and will never give us any task to do without giving us the grace to perform it; the Judaizers in Paul’s day were sending a message that focused primarily on themselves and not on God’s saving grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; but he penned these words of encouragement “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7.

The “treasure” that Paul speaks of is the Gospel and the “earthen vessels” is our human weak bodies; what a striking comparison, God has committed the carrying of His powerful message of salvation; that is the glorious light of Christ that shines like a most precious jewel, to be seen by those lost in this world; in our weak human bodies that are perishing day by day.

Why would He do this? Scripture gives the answer- “that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” All focus of the message should point to the power and greatness of God and not to any of us; It is then that He alone will receive all the praise, honor, and glory.

This reminds me of the Lord’s victory over the Midianites through Gideon and 300 men. Judges 7:19 states “So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.” The victory was not given to Gideon and the children of Israel because he was a courageous warrior or even because he had a massive army prepared for war, but by the almighty power of God!

So, it is in our lives; what God has purposed for us to do for His glory, which ultimately always lead to the foot of the cross and the good news of salvation; He will give us the might and the power to perform, even when at times it appears that we may be defeated on every hand; but the fact is…it is only a test, we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord!

God in His infinite wisdom allows our earthen vessels to be “broken” just like those lamps in Gideon’s day; it is so His light may shine through us in this dark world. Our trials prepare us to be witnesses of His divine grace. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 states: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

My friends, we can and do have the power to do all that God commands- let us faithfully answer His calling; “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.

May His grace and strength lead you throughout this day and always.