Jars of Clay

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

I came across this verse this morning and in reading the commentary, it came to life for me. MacArthur points out that clay jars were used in Paul's day to store things such as valuables but often times they were used to store waste and garbage making them common, expendable, and replaceable. In referencing us as jars of clay, Paul shines light on the fact that even though we are all of these things: common, expendable, and replaceable, God chooses to use us. He  has a plan in place for us before we are even born, a plan for us to accomplish His purposes on earth. (Ephesians 2:10)

God wants to use us but as my pastor said last week, we have to know that we are not worthy to be used but be confident in the fact that God does want to use us. If we turn that upside down and find ourselves worthy, we are then not worthy; if we are not confident God will use us and our story, we are not living in the faith He has called us to and we will become paralyzed.

Beth Moore describes it as a lack of faith. She says, "Maybe I subconsciously doubt God for even using me. Let me be frank if I were God, I wouldn't have given me a second look. I constantly feel unqualified, inadequate, and out of my league. This is not just a lack of security, but a lack of faith; I am doubting God about myself."

I know Beth Moore is a hugely poplar speaker and writer but I feel like this applies even to God's calling on my life of being a mother and a wife. I need to be confident in the areas with which God has entrusted me and realize that my inadequacy is just what He needs to shine bright in my life. "The christian's weakness is not fatal to what he does; it is essential." says, MacArthur. It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 2:9-10, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness."

What an empowering verse. I do not have to have it altogether. His strength comes in and makes up for my slack when I need it, if I let Him, and in this, it is evident that this all surpassing power (the power it takes to do everything God has called me to do in this season of life) comes from God and not me.