2 Corinthians 4:7-9

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

(v7, NIV)

As always, God must get the glory. Why must God get the glory? Why is it a treasure to give God the glory? Don't we feel good in taking credit for something? Don't we feel proud upon achievement or praise for something praiseworthy? Well, first of all, we would be taking credit where credit is due to God. That is wrong and God will not stand for that. If we were to take credit for God's doing, it would only hurt us. You will not stand if standing without God on God's work. It's a lie, and I think we all know where lies get you. You just end up digging yourself a deeper hole.

What's interesting is that it's a treasure. To tell them that it's God and not us is a treasure. I guess it's like telling others about a great friend you have. Or maybe you tell them about how cool your parents are or how great your brother or sister is. However, none of them could ever trump God. It's also an invitation for them to know or know more about God. In that you are inviting them to know the God you know and love. Or at least, that's one possibility.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

(v8-9, NIV)

I'm reminded of the song "I'm Trading my Sorrows" when reading this passage. Clearly, this song used this verse in figuring out the lyrics and such. There may be trials and there may be storms. We may even lose sometimes but we will never ultimately lose. God is on our side and it is he who we are fighting for. It is him who the power belongs to. Who is stronger than God? We will never lose with God on our side.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

(Romans 8:31, NIV)