So, I'll go first. I was so moved by my Amplified version that said "we possess this precious treasure in frail vessels of earth, that the exceeding greatness of power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves." Most versions say "jars of clay," which is true, but through the wording "earth," I was reminded that yes, we were made from earth "from the dust of the ground He made them." You cannot get much more frail than that! Since we carry Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in our frail bodies, it would be obvious to conclude that any greatness we show would not be of ourselves, but only through His power. It also says we are "always carrying around in the body the exposure to the same putting to death that Jesus suffered, so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our bodies." So, when it says persecuted, it means the same persecution that Jesus suffered! The Bible does not take lightly our suffering, but rather compares it to Jesus'. God understands our suffering because He created us, and He went through it himself. He knows it is tough, and that is why it is through His power that we live. Thank God, literally!
It goes on to say, "For our light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an everlasting glory." So, not only does God say He empathizes with our struggles and gives us the power to get through them, He also gives us hope for the future! I do not know what an everlasting glory will be, but I'm in! If God promises that He is preparing me for it, I trust Him. In chapter 3 it says we "are constantly being transfigured into His very image in ever-increasing splendor from one degree of glory to another." Through God working in us, we are being changed with ever-increasing glory. I will admit, most of the time it doesn't feel like that. I struggle just as much, if not more, than anybody. Most of the time I fall for the devil's lies that I am not good enough, not pretty enough, not successful enough, just not enough in general. It is so encouraging to be reminded that God is working through this weak vessel, despite my flaws, and He is preparing me for an everlasting glory. I need to be constantly "transformed by the renewing of my mind," and focusing on God's truths and not my feelings. I need to have faith the God IS working in my life and strive to replace the devil's lies with the truth of God's Word. God never breaks His promises, and maybe if I could focus on that, I can began living confidently knowing He is transforming me "in ever-increasing splendor from one degree of glory to another."
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