We’re continuing through this challenge as we enter this eighth week. Last week we added exercise and I hope you’ve enjoyed working out with God. This week, we are going on another treasure hunt. 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (ESV)

Treasure in Jars of Clay

Most of us would readily admit we are indeed “jars of clay”. We are very aware of our flesh throughout the day. However, one look at the imaginations of human beings throughout generations will tell you that most of us wish we weren’t confined by the laws of nature or these earthly vessels.

I’m sure most of us have imagined having superpowers at some point in our lives. Personally, I thought it would be cool to be able to fly or make myself invisible. I also wished I could run faster than humanly possible and imagined I could talk to animals. Ah, the faith of a child.

As we grow up, we just wish we had the power to resist falling into old, harmful patterns of behavior. We wake up, determine that today will be different, only to find ourselves elbow deep in a bag or box of something when the bewitching hour arrives. The cycle continues and we feel powerless to change.

It’s tempting to become angry at God for making us so weak in our flesh, but as the passage above shows, there is a purpose. God placed the light of the gospel within these clay vessels to show His awesome power. Without Him, we are subject to being tossed around by our emotions and physical limitations.

In fact, think about some of your favorite “super heroes”. Couldn’t some of those things from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 also be said of those fictional characters as they face their arch enemies? And yet, God’s Word says that is who we are in Christ.

The problem is, we often can’t see the light for the clay. We’re so focused on our weaknesses and yet still trying to do everything in our own strength. Then we blame God when we don’t have victory.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

What if we took a different approach? What if we followed Paul’s example in 2 Corinthians 12:9 of how to view our weaknesses? Perhaps we would begin to comprehend just how valuable the treasure we have within truly is.

This week, as we go on another treasure hunt, let’s ask God to reveal any areas we may be striving in our own strength and not leaning on His awesome power.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Week 8 – Alrighty, we’re keeping the daily 20 minute appointment with God beginning with praise/worship, confession of sins, and the “who I am in Christ” mirror exercise. Finish up your 20 minutes with any method you wish. Don’t forget to get that background music going and to renew your mind any time you are tempted to or actually do break your boundaries. Be sure to take full advantage of Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds and I Deserve a Donut by Barb Raveling.

For “day by day” suggestions, join the Taste For Truth Support Group and download this week’s PDF.

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Weekly Challenge Check-in:
Renewed my mind for at least 20 minutes a day, + God glorifying music, kept my food boundaries, and exercised 5 days for at least 15 minutes.
I’m down 1 the seventh week :)*
Challenge Total: 5 lbs
*for more commentary on this weigh in, join the TFTSG.
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