2 Corinthians 4:7
"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."
The bible refers to us (Christians) as fragile jars of clay that hold the pure, magnificent treasure of Jesus Christ within us. When you think of a jar of clay, it is easily broken when hit with something hard. If it falls on the floor, it is sure to crack if not shatter. When life hits us, the storms have a tendency to break us....when that loved one dies, when you lose your job, when the weight of all the rejection you've faced leaves you hopeless, down and depressed. Deep down, you know there may be hope, but that hope seems like a distant fairytale. Something you're unworthy of. Something you can't just quite fathom or put your finger on because your heart has run dry. In those moments of brokenness, when the words of others, our insecurities and our experiences seem to break us, just as it would for anyone (believer or not) we have a choice.
A choice to respond differently and let the light of Jesus within our hearts shine through this fragile jar of clay. As Christians, we hold the treasure of Christ within our hearts and when shattered, our brokenness is an opportunity for God to shine His light through us for all the world to see Him. Fam, your suffering is not in vain. Your brokenness is not for you, but for the broken world out their dying and in need of Christ. Have you ever desired for someone else to see your brokenness or be aware of the horrid situation so they could see the light of Christ?
"Man, you mean you're going through
ALL of that but you're still smiling?!"
"Man, you barely have enough money to
buy food for the week but your still giving?"
Matthew 5:15
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.
Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives
light to everyone in the house.
The world is watching our responses to the tests and trials we go through. The tests that TRY to shatter our faith. It doesn't mean that we make life look like a walk in the park, because it's not. It doesn't mean you don't burst into tears on the phone with that family member because of what has happened, it just means that your broken enough to let your light shine through the tears. It's okay to be broken in a world that tries to force it's picture perfect image on those who live in it. There are somethings I go through that it's only the grace of God I can stand. It's the grace of God I can go to work with a smile on my face. It's the grace of God I can cast my care (anxieties, fears, worries, doubts) unto Him because He cares for me which frees me to go and do what He's called me to do without weight on my heart. It's the grace of God that keeps me together when it makes logical sense for me to simply fall apart.
As Christians, we need to learn and grow to a place where we stand out because we respond differently to those who belong to this world. Just a few months ago when I was traveling back from Pittsburgh after visiting my sister, there was no more room on the flight for my carryon bag so I had to check it. Deep down I was angry and wanted to blow up, but after seeing the women in front of me do that, I chose to respond differently because I do not belong to this world. I had to make a split second decision to stand out instead of choosing to blend in. Plus...I didn't want to embarrass myself the way she just had. So, cheers to pressing on and letting our lights shine for Christ in the good and the bad! Allow God to use your brokenness to shine some light into the dark hidden corners of the hearts around you.
Let your light shine,
Beth
My sister and I in Pittsburgh! #LuLu
