Let the testimony of your life shine. A great light has come -- Jesus! And we are called to let him shine through us. Walk in the light of glory.
"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you." Isaiah 60:2
"for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8
Jars of Clay -- malleable clay is initially. Able to be made into any form the potter desires. Then it is fired. This makes it useful but also breakable. Our frailty is a blessing not a curse.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
1 Corinthians 4:7
We will have cracks, weaknesses -- here the light shines through even more.
Earthly tents
"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on[a] we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." 2 Corinthians 5:1-4
A tent is temporary -- for when you're traveling, when you're not at home. Never meant to live in these tents forever. Don't see the afflictions as bad things -- see them as more blessings. There is beauty in the cracked pot. Use everything to shine the light of Christ. Everything!
"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." 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
"2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
All we pass through -- can make our faith stronger. We can be conquerors, victors here. Speak the truth. Believe and speak. Always speak the truth.
"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." 2 Corinthians 4:13-15
"25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”" John 11:25-26
"28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Through our weaknesses God can be our strength. Do not lose heart.
"16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] 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." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Steadfast faith.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Rise up!
"but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31