My dear friends,
Have you had a chance to check out the Bible Bums in the previous article. I don’t know about you, but I can relate to many of them. Truly God uses some of the most unlikely characters in some of the most wonderful ways!
For me personally, 2017 was an unusually challenging year, leading to a partial breakdown in October, and a process of recovery and reflection – checking for and closing chinks in the armour where Satan might be able to gain access and cause trouble, and also whether I am still in the centre of God’s will – whether everything I have been doing is what my Lord is calling me to or not? And by the grace of God, growing even deeper and stronger in Him as a result.
As you know Jesus calls us to follow Him; not to lead. If you and I get that right, then the outcome is not dependent on what we can do, but on what God can do through us. BIG difference! Clearly on God’s side, the result is completely unlimited through the Holy Spirit within. And I will never understand why He trusts me enough to allow the incredible power of the Holy Spirit to dwell within me!
But as the apostle Paul says in 2 Cor 4:7, “we have this treasure in jars of clay – to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us”.
Bible Bums, Jars of Clay – neither can do very much on their own, and both can be fragile and breakable (as I know too well). But in the Master’s hands, even clay jars can do great things. Some of you will be aware that one of my greatest fears is limiting the outcomes to the little that I can do; while the greatest joy and highest honour of this broken pot is to witness more and more of the glory of God as I allow Him to work through me.
I have a long way to go – but I am on the way. By the grace of God, and the loving support of many around me, the broken pot has been mended. I am now able to thank God for the adventures of this last year (yes, even the painful ones), and to look forward to all the new adventures that He has in store.
What about you??
Who is willing to join me as a breakable, fragile clay jar – to the Master’s glory !!
With all my love in the Lord Jesus,
Owen Butt NSD
