But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. -1 Corinthians 4:7.
There is a lie which I seem to trip over daily: “Being a Christian means I will not have any troubles.” I know in my head that is not true, but I keep tripping over it. Especially when I see “troubles” in my life or in the lives of others. Jesus said, “You will have troubles in this world, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” Why would I think troubles will not be here in this world when He says they will? Why am I so surprised?
Peter says in 1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” I spend all my energy trying to change or stop the “troubles,” instead of believing Jesus is actually living through me to handle them.
Abiding in Him, believing in Him, trusting in Him can be simple if I would let go of how I think following Him should look, and sink into His finished work on the cross for me. “It is finished.” His finished work enabled Him to live in and through my earthen vessel. He is ordaining my steps through the specific afflictions, persecutions, trials, and sufferings which I walk through today and every day.
