“We are hard-pressed on every side yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV)
In ancient times, it was a common practice to bury treasure inside clay pots. Two recent discoveries of Biblical manuscripts, the Chester Beatty Papyrus and some of the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal these manuscripts were hidden in jars for nearly two thousand years. As these treasures were hidden in earthen vessels, so the indwelling Christ lives within our earthly vessels, meaning He lives within our earthly bodies.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made, precisely woven into the image of our Heavenly Father’s purest thoughts. He made no mistake when He created us all. Throughout our lives we have been battered, abandoned, judged, and confused, a lot of times by the ones we love here on this earth. Life has become like a desert storm, everything desolate, with boisterous winds and dirty debris clouding your mind and sense of judgment. Yet, our most gracious Father, the gentleman that He is, continuously molds the clay. As we try to carry on, step-by-step, thought-by-thought, hiding in the midst when we think He is not there. Doing the work of our unfinished touches.
We were made to endure and become victorious over our strongholds and iniquities. A clay pot doesn’t just melt when a little heat impacts it, even on its hottest day. There’s soil deeply rooted to produce a great harvest in the center of the pot. What is it that flows from your heart? When life becomes a heavy burden, what is it that you are doing to cope? Who are you calling on for help? Do you know that everything that you are going through can have a marvelous ending? Take a look in the mirror and really study what you see – look deep within yourself. You are a treasure from Heaven above…there’s none like you!
Even though it’s constantly raining and pouring, you are still standing. You have a story and someone’s out there waiting to hear hope from you! They may think that they’re going through the storm alone. No one could possibly relate. Sound familiar? Be that vessel and let The Lord use you. Let us be willing and open to not let our circumstances define us. Not every day is going to be spectacular. Don’t give up the good fight. Our Father’s promises are throughout the Word. They never fail. People, places, and things may – but The Lord never does. Grab ahold of that. Those tears that fall silently in the dark, you don’t have to feel that anymore.
Life’s always going to be tough. It’s what you do when you are tested that shows you where you are. Who do you turn into when you’re in turmoil? “Look up Child” and see who’s feeling your every emotion with you, embracing your flaws, and loving on you when you cannot seem to love yourself. After all, we are overcomers! Hidden treasures are stored within every one of us, each one to help us fulfill our destiny! He’s patiently waiting, molding the clay…making you into the person you were destined to be!
