For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. II Corinthians 4:11
It’s difficult to describe the depth of our pain to others. There are times when pain can show it’s character on our face, in our actions — in our voice. The screams of pain is universal. It has a different sound, a signature that pierces us all. From a thumb that finds its way beneath the blow of a hammer, or the pressure from an abscessed tooth — no one can deny how much those hurt. But the pain that hurts far deeper than any flesh wound, is the pain from brokenness.
Yet, somehow, in the midst of our painful circumstances our brokenness is coupled with the death of Jesus. Even in my most painful moments, I have cried outloud, “Why must I continue to be a witness of your death through this pain?” And without pause, He responds . . . “Because, Mark, it is necessary — then I will be revealed!”
Oh man! Could it be? Is it possible? That my brokenness will, or better — does, bring Him glory? Lord, I don’t know how this is possible, but one thing I do know — that you don’t abandon your people! As I’m reading your word you are blessing and speaking. I want to personalize it for me.
But I have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from others. I am hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. So, then, death is at work in me, but life is at work in me too. Therefore, I do not lose heart. Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day. For my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So I fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. II Corinthians 4:7-9,12,16-18