Paul writes: 'We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." "Jars of clay" refers to cups, bowls, pots, etc., and what really matters is what's in them. A vessel may be chipped and flawed, but once it's washed and cleaned it can be used again. So don't quit because someone discovered you're a jar of clay with chips and flaws. There's a cry from the Jericho Road nobody except you may ever hear. Some dying thief will be saved if you'll just keep preaching through your pain, because the message that saves others is the one that saves us too. Accepting the fallen is the strength—not a weakness—of the Gospel. There's a world of difference between the coldness of a rebellious heart and the cry of a troubled heart that says, "God save me from myself." One glimpse of God's grace brings all of us to our knees confessing and forsaking sin, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). One pastor writes: 'People listen to our one-sided testimonies of success and become discouraged. They think that while they struggle, we have it all together. That's because we falsified the records and failed to tell the whole truth. God help ifs! Our message is we were saved by grace, we are being saved by grace, and we will be saved by grace. If need be, go down into the Potter's house and let Him put you back on the wheel and remake you—but don't quit! (See Jeremiah 18:1-4).
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