Scripture: 2Corinthians (NIV) 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.

Observation: A sports team may be great, but if they only face weak opponents, no one will know how great they are. Their greatness can only be seen as they overcome great opponents.

Application: What God has placed inside me is greater than what I experience on the outside. Being “hard pressed,” or “perplexed,” or “persecuted,” or “struck down” cannot overcome the life of Jesus that lives in me. The greater the difficulty I face, the greater the life inside is seen to be! How I respond to trouble can reveal the character of Jesus who lives within me.

Prayer: Jesus, may it be easy for others to see your life in me. Help me not to give in to trouble and become discouraged. Amen