In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient
as the clouds.” – Robert Green Ingersoll
You’re not the only one who gets discouraged. I do.
You’re not the only one who works too hard and too long knowing the striving may not be coming from a noble place. I do.
You’re not the only one who stares at a list of things that have to get done or else something bad is going to happen, but procrastinates anyway. I do.
You’re not the only one who can’t wait to be alone to relax or to get things done, but when you are alone …can’t sit still or can’t get moving. I do.
You’re not the only one who can’t completely leave the past. I can’t.
You’re not the only one who needs a little more assurance. I do.
You’re not the only one who doesn’t take corrective words from others as well as you’d like to think you do. I don’t.
You’re not the only one who gets mad at God. I do.
You’re not the only one who gets worn down by life. I do.
You’re not the only one who says things you wish you hadn’t. I do.
You’re not the only one who knows you aren’t everything some people think you are. I know.
You’re not the only one who wishes you were a better friend. I wish I were.
You’re not the only one who has times of being afraid. I do.
You’re not the only one who is confused about the difference between God’s part and my own part. I am.
You’re not the only one who wishes you were a better husband and father or wife and mother. I wish I were.
You see, “We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 New Century Version
You are not alone. Though our lives are different, our journeys are similar. Our persevering with Jesus through troubles, confusion, oppression and wounding actually spotlights the treasure of God’s life and His glory in us.
From one not-defeated, hopeful, not-abandoned, not-destroyed clay jar to another,
Gary
Very encouraging reminder Gary! Thanks!
Wow, this is amazing. Thanks Gary. I’m going to share this on Facebook. I was a little caught by your ending. Awesome!
Oh, how timely! I just finished writing about what Anne Lamott says is the greatest sermon ever: “Me too.” As I finished emailing the text away for printing, I opened this link and read these words. Absolutely love the reminder and the way you wrote it!
Gary,
This is chain breaking, gate kicking, wall bashing.
Glory to God!
This couldn’t have came at a better time. I am feeling extremely down on myself and thinking there is no hope anymore. This helped, thank you.
I so needed this!!! Thank YOU!!
How often we forget…”because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
1 Peter 5:9
Thank you Gary.
Thanks for the reminder, Gary…very helpful.
It’s so good to know we are not the only one who feels the way we do…. Thank you for your words, they are truly life-giving…
Like putting up my pictures and passion exercises and listening to the mp3 recording from Callng? Haven’t made time nor had the courage yet. I know the feeling. But more than just “misery loves company” and “we’re all in the same boat” mentality, which is no small comfort, and often all we feel, we are more in His eyes and truth!
Excellent. Savable. Heck, copy-able. Just had to Tweet it. BTW, TOG, the newest version of blog and site is simply outstanding. One of the best. I think you cheated and got Flurry and Dale to help.
Very nicely said.
I wish I could say that this was “comforting enough” for me.
Thanks Gary. I needed that reminder.
Thank you, Gary. Can anyone tell me how to remember this everyday?