Broken Clay Pots – Sufficient Grace
Dear Friends,
How many of us display sayings meant to fill our days with purpose and extra energy – like Choose Joy or His Grace is Sufficient? And in the middle of a trying season, we interpret the words as a reminder to respond in a supernatural way to the daily grind of stresses or frequent crises without considering what foundation - or theology - gives those words power. Each day this week, Daily Treasure Guest Writer Paula Miles unpacks gems from her recent Bible Study book, No Empty Word: Confident and Compelled, A Study on 2 Corinthians - spiritual truths that make it possible to experience joy and live in the promise of sufficient grace. Paula’s writing will nourish your soul and better equip you to experience the “God of All Comfort” and to walk by faith with confidence, as she reminds us that the words of 2 Corinthians are significant and applicable to us today. She demonstrates how theology matters when it comes to reflecting Jesus in the mundane moments, as well as in those we wish were not part of our lives.
For instance, when we hear Paul’s declaration, “Therefore, we do not lose heart,” we need to review the “therefore” behind such a profound statement. When we are struggling to put on a happy face while carrying what feels like impossible burdens and we read, “And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”, we can feel dismissed in our brokenness if we don’t have an understanding of the theological basis for such a promise of transformation.
When a friend encourages us to trust God’s promises “…For all the promises of God find their yes in Him”, on what basis should we take heart in these words – what foundation enables us to believe when our circumstances scream, “No, He is not trustworthy!”
Paula takes us through Scripture after Scripture and builds an impenetrable, theologically sound case for trusting the “God of all comfort.”
Paula closes the week with this encouragement:
“As a result, like Paul, we can respond to our own unremoved thorns with joy and contentment. “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly” and “For the sake of Christ then, I am content.” These kinds of responses do not come naturally. They are the work of the Holy Spirit as He helps us see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world. Jeremiah Burroughs wrote, “Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” (Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (The Banner of Truth Trust, 1964, originally published in 1648), 19) Only His grace can produce joy and contentment, and His grace is sufficient for you.” (Paula Miles, Daily Treasure)
I recognized Paula’s love for God’s Word the first time I heard her speak at a women’s conference designed to equip women’s ministry leaders. She has served on staff at Clemson Presbyterian as Women’s Ministry Director and is a wife, mother, and grandmother to six. A Clemson University graduate, Paula has enjoyed being a full-time homemaker and public school teacher. Along the way, her love for studying and teaching God’s Word deepened and flowed over into her passion for encouraging and equipping women as they walk with Jesus.
It’s such a privilege for me to share Paula with you, knowing her writing flows from a heart longing to share Jesus with others.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Read or listen to Paula’s devotionals with a pen, bible and journal in hand. Take some extra time to read the Scriptures, make notes in your Bible, and jot down a takeaway for each day. As the Lord encourages you through His Word this week, give the same gift to others – share this week’s devotionals with a friend!
PRAYER
Father, You have given Your Church such beautiful gifts in women who love You and share that love with others through teaching, writing, and mentoring. I pray for each woman touched by Daily Treasure that they will be encouraged to deepen their love for You and Your church and give to others what You have given to them. Amen
2 Corinthians: Confident and Compelled - A Study on 2 Corinthians - No Empty Word Series by Paula Miles
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
