2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 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.
What an incredible gift of mercy and grace that I can hear and believe the gospel! How profound is the call to pray for those who do not believe, that God would open their eyes to see the beauty of Jesus, and to believe on Him for salvation. God at work through us, is not an understatement.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. . .
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
15 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.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 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.
When I was more healthy, I said that I needed God, that I could do nothing without Him.
Now, I know that I need Him. My treasure is housed in a very weak jar of clay. But in that weakness, I truly have seen — and do continually see — God’s power and love and grace in my life.
The simple reality– we are all weak. Everything we have comes from God. Good health is a gift. Money is a gift. Skill and ability is a gift. However, God’s power is even more evident to me now.
But God’s commission to make disciples is not qualified by “if you feel up to it,” or “once life gets easier/less busy/etc”.
God knew about my present physical state. It is no surprise to Him. And just because I cannot “go out and do” does not mean I am “benched” for the rest of the game. He wants to display His glory in my weakness. This current “assignment” that God has given is truly a holy calling. To my shame, I have resented it and complained about it and questioned God’s wisdom in it.
No more.
God, who opened my eyes to believe the gospel, has also opened my heart to repent and embrace His calling on my life. Though my outer self is wasting away, my inner self truly is being renewed day by day. I am truly grateful for His grace in my life, and humbled that He continually allows me to share His love and grace with others. God is not wasting my life. A loving, personal, holy, all-wise God is caring for me in such a way that will bring Him glory and sustain my joy.
How is God using you to fulfill His commission? Are your eyes open to see God at work? Will you say “yes, Lord?”
Plea for Grace 