“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.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NASB).

Sometimes we look at our own actions and soon become depressed or discouraged. This is looking at our life from a human perspective, not God’s perspective. But the joyous good news is that Christ’s life in us IS performing perfectly, and this is all that God cares to see! This is the exact opposite of what we often feel, yet it is God’s reality. The How-Great-Thou-Art Almighty God is working in us (Philippians 2:13) and transforming us into the image of Christ Jesus in us. (2 Corinthians 3:18). That is God’s sanctifying work in us. Even now, while you read this, you may be in the midst of challenging times. But in the middle of it all, you can praise Him. For one thing is absolute and certain: He has called you, saved you, and is working right now to sanctify you. You cannot deny that God has turned you in His direction and away from the world’s direction. This is proof that you are a child of God. It is His work, not ours. He will complete what He has started until the coming of His Son. (Philippians 1:6). Once again, we can praise God for all of it. The evidence that Christ is in us arises from what our hearts desire, not in how we are always acting. Praise Him!

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NASB).

Grace does not guarantee a life without conflict, but God’s faithful working in us.