JARS OF CLAY

During challenging times, we must rest in what we know about our God. 

Written by Mrs. Debbie Gilliland | Science Teacher

A few weeks has really changed the face of what we do on a daily basis, BUT–and it’s a huge one–we are so blessed!  

The Holy Spirit tells us through the work of Paul what that “BUT” is:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”

Remember how great it feels when you really work hard during a science unit to know, truly know, the material? You study. You work hard. You listen during class.  You do great lab work…THEN, when you take the test, you do well because you know what you are supposed to know. You don’t feel anxious or worried about the test because you are so well-prepared. You are confident because of what you know. 

I believe this pandemic should be like that for us.  We may not know much about why it’s happening or how it’s happening or even exactly what is happening!  BUT we do KNOW a great God who is much bigger than any of it. We have a treasure. We have access to a loving Savior who has surpassing power. We should not feel crushed. We should not despair. Our God is with us through every step of this. During challenging times, we must rest in what we know about our God. 

Take some time to read Psalm 46. Then take some time to really focus on v. 10, “…be still, and know that I am God…” Take some time to be still. Read the scripture. Enjoy His creation. Romans 1:20 explains that God reveals Himself not only through His Word but also through the world He created for us.  Right now, we have an opportunity to get to know Him in a fresh way. He loves each of us perfectly and never withholds anything good from us. 

[Editor’s Note: The Philippians 4:8 Project is a daily centering of the WC community’s collective hearts and minds on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This particular devotion was originally written as words of communication between Mrs. Gilliland and her students and their families, and is being published here with her approval.]