Perseverance through suffering

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 
Devotion: 
As we age at a certain point, we begin to see gradual greater decay in the external world. Our forefathers mostly used jars of clay, affordable but brittle. The Jars of clay indicate our perishing mortal bodies. The image of Jesus Christ we represent is eternal. The treasure inside helps us deal with the journey outside. Pressure on an empty jar of clay will shatter. But if a jar is filled with a powerful treasure, it cannot break. We may feel perplexed, persecuted, struck down by the world. Have faith in him and his timing. God will never ever forsake us in any circumstances as long as we surrender ourselves completely to the Lord Almighty. To apprehend tension being lived out, have a look at Jesus’ glorious ministry. Jesus’ life we carry is one of healing, righteousness and aligning with God. This suffering is the vehicle God uses to actually transform us into who we are meant to be to fulfill the Father’s will.
Prayer
Father, Guide us to spread your Gospel and build your kingdom and to prepare ourselves for your second coming. Amen

Thought for the Day
God consoles us not to make us comfortable, but so that we may become comforters – John Henry Jewett

Mrs. Anu Vanmelil 
Salem MTC, NY