Faith Brings Hope

Treasure in earthen vessels…2 Corinthians 4:7

We read verse 7 thinking verses 8 and 9 seem more real: we are hard pressed on every side—perplexed—persecuted—struck down. We look into the mirror and see—well, let us not talk about what we see or how we feel; the aches and the pains, etc.

So, we read verse 7 again: but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. Apparently, there is something good beneath what we see. It may not be obvious to the naked-eye, but it is real. A spiritual reality more real than what we see.

Now, we read the Bible again as it was written; not as we feel: but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed. We are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Because of Christ in us, we are not crushed; not in despair; not forsaken; not destroyed. The life we live is quite natural, but we are supernatural. That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hoe of eternal life, Titus 3:7. The Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope, 1 Peter 1:3. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, Hebrews 6:19. Faith sees what cannot be seen.