2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, not from us.”
A man in India had two large clay pots, which he carried at each end of a pole hung across his shoulders. One pot was new whilst the other was cracked, so at the end of each trip to fetch water and return to irrigate his field, the latter pot was only half-full. Day after day, the water-bearer continued, until the cracked pot couldn’t contain itself any longer, ashamed at its constant failure to accomplish what it was meant to. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I’m damaged and useless. You should dispose of me and get a new pot in my place. I’m not giving you value for your efforts,” the pot said.
The water-bearer replied: “I’ve always known about your crack, and knew I could use you just as you are. Haven’t you seen the beautiful flowers along the path to the stream? I planted those seeds because I knew you’d water them faithfully each day. All these months I’ve been able to pick these beautiful flowers to give away and bring joy to others. If you weren’t just the way you are, all that beauty would not have come into being.”
The devil’s been a liar, deceiver and accuser from the beginning. If you feel like an obsolete cracked pot, remember today that God wants to use you, that you still have a role to play. Just as the water spilled through the cracks to water the flowers, so God’s light shines out through your cracks to bring hope to others. Everyone is cracked somewhere, whether they admit it or not. People can’t relate to perfect beautiful jars, but with us as jars of clay, the glory goes to God, not to us. He wants to use you today.
Lord, take me as I am, cracks and all, and use me as you want, for your glory. Amen!
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