2 Corinthians 4:7
"BUT WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN JARS OF CLAY, TO SHOW THAT THE SURPASSING POWER BELONGS TO GOD AND NOT TO US."
A couple of years ago, I found an article about "amphorae." They were large, crudely made, clay pots used by the Roman's to ship and distribute their precious wares like olive oil and grain. (The photo on the main page of this site depicts a group of amphorae/singular: amphora). What drew me in about these ancient pots, was the way they seem to mirror the human experience.
// They were fragile, imperfect, vessels containing precious contents, on a journey with purpose. In the end, they were poured out and the pot (their external form) was left behind, because their true value was always what they'd carried within. //
Having no value on their own, and no say in what they would carry or where their journey would take them, these jars had a singular purpose: to bare what they were given and see it safely to wherever it was needed. This encourages me, because I believe this to be true about us! What I mean is, we all are imperfect and broken, and we have all been hurt on our journey. I love to remember that my hurts don't define me. I'm so thankful for that! I'm also thankful that whatever it is I've had to carry in my life, I will always be carried by my Heavenly Father. Those jars held the expensive, or costly, contents, but they were also nestled safely in the hull of a ship. My point is, the carriers were carried. Our hurts and hopes are seen and known by Him in ways we cannot imagine, even when it seems He's left us to bare a burden alone. He hasn't left you. He is close to the broken-hearted and will complete the good work He began in you!
I don't know anyone who hasn't been broken and cracked along their journey... who hasn't felt frail or fragile, ill-equipped, incapable or hurt beyond hope or healing. I certainly have, and it was during one of the most difficult seasons of my life that I started to notice that we don't really talk about suffering. Let me tell you, that was Not good news to me when I was struggling through a massive storm in my life!! I didn't want to constantly make others uncomfortable with my struggle, so most of the time I was alone.
The word amphorae actually comes from the Greek amphi - on both sides, and phero - which means to carry or to bear. We are all on both sides, as physical and spiritual beings making our way this side of heaven. As people who claim Jesus as their rescuer, we are bearers of His Name, part of His family, & covered by what He's done for us. There is HOPE for us! The cracks and fragmented places in our lives are not without a Redeemer and no matter how hard things get He has promised Never to leave us!
So, as I continue on my journey, I wish to bring encouragement, truth and hope to you. It's ok if you're finding it hard to gather all that yourself. We were made to bless each other, even in our broken places! (Especially in our broken places!)
If you are struggling through a difficult season, if there are places where you're trying not to lose hope, or if you're seeking healing & freedom for your heart, I want to encourage you. I have seen God transform burdens, or stones in my life, into bread that can bring blessing, and hope to others. I have heard Him calling me to offer hope in hard places and He has healed my own heart a little more each time I've done that. Please join me as I share what God is teaching me, and I pray it brings you strength.
You are not alone. // You are a treasure.