God’s power displayed through ordinary people seems like a paradox. Ordinary, earthenware vessels- that is what we are. Yet God delights in displaying His power through ordinary people in the midst of their affliction, so that we and others would know that it is truly God at work and not ourselves. Corrie Ten Boom said, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” God graciously brings people through extreme trials so that they would know more of him and rely on Him alone.
We need perspective. We go the the big-box store when it is busy and we say, “I made it back from Costco, it was so traumatic!” Let’s get real. Christians in Algeria and other places of the world face everyday persecution.
“The major drivers of persecution in Algeria are society and extremist Islamic teachers who exert influence over state authorities. This means Christians experience persecution from their families, their communities, and from the government. Most Algerian Christians are converts from Islam. They face harassment and discrimination in their daily lives, and their families and community may try to force them to continue to adhere to Islamic norms and practices. They also face pressure—from both the government and their surrounding communities—to renounce their faith in Jesus and return to Islam.”
opendoors.org.au
Listen to the previous message Gospel Impact here
Listen to Ray Stedman on 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 here