But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 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. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. (NIV)

A prayer for today:

Gracious Father,

So often, the life that you call us to is difficult. You desire that we be people of generous love, but it is often difficult. We want to, but we are often faced with the challenges of this world and, to be honest, the challenges of our soul that questions our own desires and abilities to serve. Help us, Lord, to remember that we are valued in your eyes. That we are yours. That you have created in us gifts to be used and a love to share. Help us to see that when we are pressed, crushed, perplexed, abandoned, frustrated, or anything else, that we are not alone. Help us to remember that in our service you are there. That in our churches you are here. That in our lives you are here. Help us to be the people of love you have called us to be, so that others may be people of love in their lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.