Glory in the Cracks

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit…

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“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.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you... For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6-12,15-18

Paul was all about God’s glory. It was his hope, joy, and end. His gospel ministry was compelled by the mercy he’d received, for the eternal salvation of others, all unto the glory of his Savior. Every affliction gave way to surpassing power, every impossible hardship to possibility, every threat of death to the glorious life of Christ Jesus that could be manifest. When all was lived for His sake, every temporal grief and attack was seen in the light of His grace and eternity.

There is much that can crack the jars of clay that we are: health challenges, unbearable heartaches, financial threats, strained relationships. In ourselves we can stay strong only so long, and we break. But that is when Jesus breaks through, and out. Our cracks in independence or veneer or self-sufficiency make marvelous way for His explosive light to permeate us and shine through. Treasure of Him within becomes the treasure of His magnificence exposed and proclaimed.

Are we immediately frustrated at a sour turn of events, or are we willing to welcome cracks to status quo and comfort as a means to rely on Him? What is our current blow, suffering, lack? Do we pause long enough from immediate pain, anger, or frustration to ask what He is trying to teach and reveal, where is His glory in the hurt or transition or desperation? What past faithfulness, what promises, will we claim presently as our own? How quick are we to announce when Jesus has shown up to bring relief, specific wisdom, comfort, or a way forward? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Good Father, help me welcome the cracks life causes, and look to see Your glory shine through them so others are encouraged and You are magnified.