Plea for Grace August 22, 2022

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 ESV - 
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; 
10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 
11 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. 
12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 
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.

We live in fragile clay vessels. Persecution and affliction is a part of this life. Why not lose heart (ekkakeō to be utterly spiritless, to lose courage)?

Persepective . . . .

These fragile clay vessels may be breaking down, and their bones break and their endothelium refuses to work correctly, but the eternal soul that is housed (temporarily) in these bodies is being renewed day by day (that’s in the present and continuing on)

Yes, there is affliction and pain and hardship and disappointment and unfair treatment but it is temporary and God is using all of it as a training tool (think of James 1 the testing of your faith produces steadfastness; but let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing)

Heaven will be glorious, beyond what we can imagine. Heaven is everlasting. This life’s temporary affliction is not God being a cosmic meanie or being some kind of cruel ruler who enjoys meting out suffering — Ephesians 2:10 ESV – 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. God has purpose for me here while He has me here. He will fulfill His purpose and so He graciously equips me to do what He has called me to do.

The apostle Peter was encouraging exiled believers on how they could rejoice in their salvation and their future even though their present was wrought with suffering:

1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV – 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Perspective . . .

Romans 12:2 ESV – 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Pray for the Persecuted Church–OpenDoorsUSA

The persecution dynamic is changing rapidly in Niger, due to a dramatic rise in violence against
Christians. Since 2020, the country has experienced a series of attacks by Islamic militants and protesters
who take their revenge by burning churches. The unpredictability of the situation makes Christians
vulnerable. If Christians gather, they must do so in secret and with extreme caution due to an increased
threat of violence from militant groups like Boko Haram.

Day 1: Pray for violence against believers in Niger to stop and the
influence of militant Islamist groups to diminish rapidly.

Daily Wisdom
Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142
Proverbs 22