The Limitations of Man, God’s Power

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

There are moments in life when I feel fragile—worn down by challenges, confused by seemingly unanswered prayers, or simply exhausted by life’s weight. In those moments, I cry out to God for help. (Will share one of those moments in my next devotional-stay tuned!).

Sometimes, it feels like He is silent, no sudden changes. But with time, I’ve come to realise something deeper: God did hear me. He just answered in a way I wasn’t expecting.

Instead of removing the difficulty, He gave me grace to endure it.

Instead of escape, He gave me strength.

Instead of instant relief, He offered inner renewal.

Scripture calls us “jars of clay”—a reminder that we are weak, vulnerable, and limited. And yet, God has placed within us a priceless treasure: the power of the Gospel, the presence of His Holy Spirit. The fragility of our human condition isn’t a mistake—it’s part of the design. Our limitations point clearly to God’s limitless strength and love.

You are Unbreakable

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (ESV)

These verses became real to me during difficult seasons when I didn’t understand what God was doing. And yet, through it all, He never left me. His mercy endured. His presence never abandoned me. The pain didn’t break me—it built me.

In those low places, I discovered the quiet renewal of my soul. I learned to trust Him more, to see Him more clearly, to grow stronger in faith. As Paul wrote, 

“Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” 

2 Corinthians 4:16

Every hardship, every trial, every tear was not wasted. God used them to prepare me for deeper faith now, and for eternal glory later.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

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Reflection

What area of your life feels like a “jar of clay”—cracked, limited, or weak?

Can you trust that God’s power is being revealed right there? That your pain has a purpose? Speak to the Potter (LORD) about it. He understands your weaknesses.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15 NIV

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Prayer

LORD, thank You that You know my limits, and love me anyway. When I feel weak, please remind me that You are strong. Teach me to trust in Your grace, even when the answers don’t come how I expect.

Help me to see every trial as preparation for something greater, both here and in eternity in Jesus name. Amen.

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PS.

Perhaps, you’re reading this but yet to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. I want to encourage you to surrender your heart to Him. He loves you, and wants to give you a new life.

Receive this amazing love today by making this confession below.

Dear Jesus Christ, I acknowledge and confess You as my Lord and Saviour today. I believe You came to die for my sins and rose again that I might have abundant and everlasting life. 

Please, come into my heart today and fill me with Your love and Holy Spirit.

I declare that I am saved, free and born-again. Thank You Jesus for saving me.

Congratulations! You’re now a new Creation in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! 

Reach out on this email address if you would like to get in touch. devotional@thepotterspen.co.uk.

God bless you!