“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

Recently I visited a pottery store, looking for a special gift. Marveling at the beautiful pieces crafted by local artisans, I quickly found the perfect item — some golden-glazed, wood-fired mugs.

As I left the store, a sign on a small shed caught my attention: “Tired and Flawed Pots.” I chuckled to myself, appreciating the honesty of whoever posted the sign.

At first glance, the pottery in the shed looked similar to the pieces inside the store. But when I looked closer, I noticed these vessels were chipped, misshapen or imperfect in some way. For whatever reason, the potter had deemed them unworthy of a place in the main store.

I sometimes wonder if God sees me that way. Am I too tired, flawed and weak to be valued by Him? When my failings and sinful nature frustrate me, I’m tempted to believe the lie that I’m not good enough or that He will put me on the shelf in the shed.

But I’m learning the opposite is true.

In the ancient world, clay jars were symbolic of human weakness. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us that God chooses clay jars to fill with His treasure — the Good News of Jesus Christ:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

As followers of Jesus:

1. Each of us is a clay jar.
2. Each of us has this treasure — the power of the gospel.
3. The power of the treasure belongs to God, not us.
4. God shows His power through us, the clay jars.

Paul’s words encourage us to be content with our weaknesses and hardships, even boasting of them.

God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” so Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ESV).

Friend, if you’re feeling weak and discouraged, remember this truth:

God has given you His treasure in your weakness, and He’ll shine His power through it. Your weakness may be the very thing God will use to bring others to Him.

We can choose to bring our weaknesses to Jesus in prayer instead of becoming frustrated by them or letting them trip us up. When our focus is on sharing the treasure, not the clay jar, those around us will see the surpassing power of God.

Loving Father, thank You for giving me the treasure of Jesus in my clay jar. When I feel weak and unworthy, remind me that You choose weak vessels to fill with Your power. Help me to focus on the treasure and not on myself. Please shine through me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Today’s devotion writer, Lisa Lenning, is a member of COMPEL Pro Writers Training. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Pro on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 5:6, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (ESV).

1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong …” (ESV).

What is one weakness you can humbly surrender to Jesus, asking Him to use it for His glory? Write a prayer of thanks to God, and ask Him to shine His power through you. We’d love for you to share with us in the comments!

© 2024 by Lisa Lenning. All rights reserved.