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]

•   You know, we’re fast approaching the end of Hope08. It’s been an amazing year of mission, social action and general witnessing to our communities that Jesus cares, Jesus loves and Jesus is Lord.

•   As part of being a Hope Revolutionary, I imagine you’ve got your own stories this year of successes, failures, breakthroughs and embarrassments. I imagine you’ve reflected back on the things you’ve got involved in and have learned some lessons and really grown as a Christian. That’s great! After all, we only learn from getting involved.

•   But are there still people, your close friends or school/college mates, or even family members, who you’ve not shared the message of Hope with? Have you found it easier to get involved with mission when it’s been geared towards total strangers rather than those who know you and see you all the time?

•    If you’re finding mission to those you know and deeply love hard, then take courage from Paul’s words to the Corinthian church. The power in you is not your own. You’re simply a vessel, a jar of clay, something that is breakable and fragile, BUT the contents inside are heavenly. God’s Spirit lives in you and when you hold out the message to those you love, rely instead on God to do the work, not your own personality. So what if things go a bit wrong, conversations maybe feel a bit embarrassing or people react with a weird expression on their face. Let God do the work as you simply speak and live out the Gospel truth.

•   So, have some courage this week! As we head towards the end of the year, very simply and faithfully tell those you love about how amazing Jesus is!