“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthian 4:7, 16-18)
I am a jar of clay. Do you ever feel like that? Outwardly, my physical body is a mess. But inwardly my spirit is being renewed day by day. If you look at me with this world’s eyes you would see a 55-year-old woman in a wheelchair, recliner, or in bed. Most people would think I was miserable, with nothing real to offer anyone. But many, if not most of my days are very joyful as I am learning to lean on the Lord.
I can do some activities, like go to church. But then the rest of the day I need to be still. I can even go out with my family to shop or have a picnic; but it has to be on one of my good days, and we have to pack up my wheelchair. Afterwards I will need a couple of days of rest to recover.
It is always worth what it costs me to spend time with my family. But I have to measure out my strength against what I want, or need to do. I am always in pain. It is just measured in degrees, and I am always fatigued. Always!
But I do not “lose heart.” As our scripture said, “I am being renewed day by day.” This pain that I am in, and my chronic illness have forced me to fix my eyes on Jesus. Every day. I cannot do anything without Him. My kids have grown up watching Mom draw closer and closer to Jesus. They have learned so much watching my husband and I as we depend on God, and all of this far outweighs any painful flare up I go through.
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion’s never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness…” Lamentations 3:21-22
Prayer: Thank you for the way that You work in my life. Help me to remember that though I am a jar of clay, I am in the hand of the Potter who is working out His perfect will for my life. Amen.
About the Author:
Sandra Platt has been a Pastor’s wife for many years and has raised her family while living in a parsonage, and dealing with chronic illness. The Lord is always faithful and His compassions never fail. The song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is one of her favorites.
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What is one of your favorite songs or hymns that has become your theme song? Why is it a favorite?
Sandra, this is a lovely devotional, picture and all! I’m reminded of something Joni Earickson Tada said in her book, “When God Weeps”. Have you read it? She points out that the angels are observing us and how we cope with our afflictions. When we may think that no one sees adn therefore we’re not encouraging others, they do and, when we react in a way that pleases the Lord they are amazed and praise God for how great He has shown Himself to be on our behalf. So He is again glorified! pretty neat eh?
Blessings to you.
Beth
Sandra, Thank you for this devotion to our God! I love the passage and the song. I actually danced in worship to a song “Clay Pots” many years ago. Like you I must rest aggressively after I do an activity like dancing. God still dances through me even though I suffer from temporary paralysis. I am counting my blessings and you are one for me. Thank you for encouraging me today! Peace, Mona
Beth, I enjoy Joni’s books very much. But I haven’t read that one, or the latest one. It is a precious thing to think that the angels are watching us! Mona, thank you for your comments. I have always been blessed by watching worship dance. Oh yes, God dances through us, and we are being blessed as we are being a vessel for His glory.
Sandra, Worship dancing is a healing blessing for me. It heals my spirit. I danced this morning for my own personal devotion to God to “Spirit of the Living God”. It is very simple. I can do it sitting down if standing is a problem for me. It put me in a vulnerable space with God which helps me be more open to What God is saying. Glad to hear from you. Peace and Prayers, Mona
This is so what I needed to hear right now… It is as if I can say ‘Finally somone who actually understands!’ I always take so much comfort in those verses – I constantly feel like my body is completely failing and falling to pieces before my very eyes and that is incredibly hard to bear as a 16 year old – after all, all my friends just cannot even begin to think about their bodies failing them in any way shape or form. I do feel as though I am wasting away but to know that actually thats fine as long as my spiritual body is still dancing away I am ok.
I love the song great is thy faithfullness but my favourite one has to be It is well. I just love that first verse (when peace like a river atendeth my way, when sorrows like sea-billows roll. Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul) and it is so true. It has been a tough lesson to learn but even with my body wasting away, even though sometimes all every day seems to bring is pain, I can still be well because I have my loving saviour to lean on and carry me. And that promise, oh what a promise that one day I will be dancing with my him pain free in heaven forever 😀
Suzy: I just sent a prayer heavenward for you.
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “It is Well” are both wonderful hymns. There are so many lovely hymns that speak to my heart that I haven’t been able to pick a favourite or have a “theme song.” My Dad’s favourite was “Unto the Hills”, which I somehow sang with a group just after my Mother died.
The little chorus, “I Cast All My Cares Upon You” has been a comfort and help to me in the last couple of weeks as I prepare for a long-awaited visit here with my son, daughter-in-law and two precious grandchildren. I’ve been stressed about having things “ready” and I know the Lord doesn’t want me worrying about it.
Gentle hug, Beth