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As I type this post, I realize it doesn’t matter that I haven’t written one for over eight months. Eight months! I also realize, this message doesn’t have to fit in to the context of me having been silent on this blog. The really important thing is that I get back to it. To jump back in. So, I compose. I write. I fill this page with what is current and not what I’ve missed. Or why. And if you’re someone who has had writer’s block. Or had something hinder you from creating what you have yearning in your heart to share. Don’t allow it to stop you. Just start. Just take that first step. Just, begin. And my reason for the gap? Well, I’ll save that for another day. Instead, I’m going to start. To share from the heart, today’s message. One that I hope will encourage you to Grow in His Grace.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
~2 Corinthians 4:7
I chose 2 Corinthians 4:7 to study today. I used the S.O.A.P. method of bible study and started with the scripture; then the observation; next the application; and finally, a prayer. And I’m glad this is the one I chose for today. The day I decided to start writing again. I mean, I didn’t think about that. I didn’t have that planned for my day. But that’s what happened. And I’m so glad. It’s given me a sense of accomplishment. And also given me inspiration to continue with this goal of mine. This blog. This transformation. And yes, although, I was on pause for a bit; this light inside of me may have dimmed for a while, but it hasn’t gone out. And I’m here to share it with you!
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
~2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT
You see, today’s message is all about our broken selves. Our fragile, fallible, even unstable selves. The part of us that sometimes feels unworthy. Unloved. Not capable of this awesome great power that has been bestowed upon us.
But that’s okay! He told us so. He told us that it’s okay. You’re a jar of clay. I am too. And yes, sometimes clay containers get chipped. They get broken. But even chipped, cracked and leaking, these vessels that are our bodies are filled with a great and awesome power. And certainly not of us. We aren’t even capable of this power without Him. And I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful for this.
I stumble. I fall short. But He never does. And because of this, it is my great and awesome responsibility to share this incredible message with others. With you. In the NIV translation, it says,
…But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
~2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
And what is that message? It’s the most important one you’ll ever receive. It’s the message of salvation. And it’s for anyone that will open their hearts to it. Anyone that will put aside their self for Him.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
~John 3:16 NKJV
Amazing. Right? Whoever believes in Him. Anyone. No matter what I’ve done. No matter what you’ve done. No matter how leaky or cracked or broken mine or your vessel becomes, the message still remains the same. He did this for me. He did this for you.
And that light I mentioned before? That light is shining in my heart because of God, not from me. And it can shine from within your earthen vessel, too. And once you make that oh, so awesome and important decision to accept him into your heart, remember; He is your strength. Your power.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:13
And with that realization, I close this message until another day. I’ll see you soon. On these pages and with A Transforming Heart. ~Dale
