But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…2 Corinthians 4:7-9
...the clear teaching of scripture says there is a different way to live; a way that grows in the middle of the storm, a faith that matures, a hope that deepens. Only God can redeem this mess. Only God sustains me in the middle of it and pours meaning into my hurt later.
Greg Holder
Reflect
-When Greg asked, "How resilient are you" what was your answer?
-Do you have times in your day when you just plug along, leaning on your own God given abilities without acknowledging who gave you those abilities?
-When the storm is howling in your life do you tend to run to God or try and power through with your own strength?
-Do you have a brief story to share about a time when you surrendered in the storm and said, "God I've got nothing, I need your help?'
Read 1 Peter 5:5-7
This week consider what it means to "clothe yourself with humility" and to "humble yourself...under the mighty hand of God". How might this affect the way you live and face adversity?