If we want to become a shining light, God must do the work to make us a light. It is not of our own ability or strength.
Do you ever think you are too weak? We can take heart in the knowledge that we are merely jars of clay – our weakness means God must show up. Trials may wear away at you – breaking you apart, like a chipped dish or worn favorite mug. Take courage. In brokenness, Christ shines through. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
Imagine a jar made from rough brown clay. In its daily use, the jar of clay gets cracked. But the more it is cracked, the more Christ shines through the cracks.
As humans, we find pride in our accomplishments. We take pride in our successes. When we fail, we wonder how Christ could be revealed in areas where we have not seen success. Let us rejoice in knowing that Christ seeps through the cracks; he is revealed in our trials and tribulations. He is such a magnificent God that he isn’t hindered by our brokenness, but instead makes it an opportunity to shine all the brighter. In the process, it becomes less about you and more about him.
The triune God finds his indwelling in the earthen vessel and shines through it. He also gives us access to his power to make it through the hard times. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Through outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Draw from him today. Seek his wellspring that is indwelling in you and let his light shine forth. Take heart that his ministry will never be hindered by our brokenness. In fact, he uses our brokenness and works through us. He is sovereign.
Missionary leader J Hudson Taylor used to say,
“When God’s work is done in God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack God’s support.”
