In 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 Paul writes, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.”
We can see from this passage that apparently overwhelming difficulties are to be our constant companions all along the path we walk with Christ. This is not to be something that we need to demonstrate faithfulness in on one or two occasions. It is to be a constant state as long as we are in our earthly bodies. One reason for this is because that exhibits God’s power and is evidence of His greatness. His life is most clearly manifested to a watching world when we victoriously endure the greatest opposition. Impossible circumstances give opportunity to show forth His infinite power and greatness.
It is analogous to a turtle on a fencepost. If you are walking through the countryside and you see a turtle perched on a fencepost, you do not say, “My! What an amazing turtle.” Instead you immediately wonder who placed the turtle on the fencepost. In the same way, God’s people overcoming huge challenges and losses and sorrows serves to point people to our amazing God.
