Treasure in Jars of Clay – a 2 Corinthians 4 Story
John was a successful businessman who had it all. He had a beautiful wife, three kids, a big house, and a flourishing business. He was proud of his accomplishments and thought that he had everything under control until he was diagnosed with cancer. At first, he was in denial, but as the days passed, he realized that his life would never be the same.
John’s wife was devastated by the news, and his children were scared. They had no idea how they would cope with the mounting medical bills and the prospect of losing their father. John, on the other hand, felt a sense of peace that he could not explain. He knew that he was facing a difficult journey, but he felt that he was not alone.
As John underwent treatment, he saw the world around him with new eyes. He realized that many of the things he had been pursuing all his life were fleeting and meaningless. He started to appreciate the little things in life, like the smile of his children, the warmth of the sun on his face, and the beauty of nature.
John’s faith also grew stronger during this time. He spent hours reading the Bible and praying. He realized that his true treasure was not in his wealth or his possessions but in his relationship with God. He knew that whatever happened, God would be with him and that he was in his hands.
One day, as John was lying in his hospital bed, he had a vision. He saw himself as a jar of clay that was fragile and easily broken. But inside the jar was a treasure that was priceless and eternal. He knew that the treasure was his faith, and that it was what gave him strength and hope.
John realized that the treasure he had inside him was not something he could keep to himself. He wanted to share it with others who were going through difficult times. He started volunteering at the hospital, talking to patients who were struggling with their own illnesses. He listened to their stories and shared his own. He prayed with them and encouraged them to find hope in their faith.
As time went by, John’s cancer went into remission, and he went back to his business. But he was a changed man. He was no longer driven by the pursuit of wealth and success. He knew that his true treasure was in his relationship with God and in the people he had helped along the way.
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 describe John’s experience perfectly: "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."
John’s journey through cancer had shown him that his true treasure was not in his possessions or his accomplishments but in his faith. Through his struggles, he had been strengthened and had been able to share that strength with others. He knew that his life would never be the same, but he also knew that he had a treasure that was unbreakable and eternal.