Introduction : The path of life is not always smooth. No one else can live our lives for us. Sometimes we have to go across a field, go over dangerous, high mountain ranges, pass through dark tunnels, and get wet from the wind and waves. Moreover, we shiver with cold when passing over mountains in a snowstorm and come out into the sunshine. This is the way of life. However, as children of God, we have a different companion in our daily lives. That person is Jesus Christ. Jesus always stays with us and helps us to overcome life´s journey as He becomes our Light, Savior, and Protector. We cannot live a prosperous life without the help of the Lord. We are like jars made out of clay, and that is our true reality. A jar of clay is not very valuable. A jar of clay breaks very easily. However, the value and importance of a jar will be changed if we put treasures inside. We will become exceedingly precious jars of clay if we accept Jesus into our hearts. Serving the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the exceedingly great and immense God will change the true character of a jar.


1. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.
    1) The army of Aram with Elisha (2 Ki 6:14-17).
    2) Things that press us hard on every side.
        (1) Sin.
        (2) Temptation of the world.
        (3) Disease.
        (4) Anxiety of living.
        (5) Enemy attacks.
            We must depend on Jesus who is within us. We will fall if we depend on others
            instead of on Jesus (Pr 18:14; Heb10:38; 1 Jn 4:4).

2. We are perplexed, but not in despair.
    1) The prayer of King Jehoshaphat (2 Ch 20:11-13, 15-17; 20:20,21).
    2) Too many anxious things happening in our lives.
        (1) Complications between husband and wife.
        (2) Problems with children.
        (3) Conflict between brothers.
        (4) Unsolved life problems.
            We must realize that Jesus is within us and pray with trust when we are
            discouraged and facing trouble (Ps 55:22). Always remember and acknowledge
            with thanksgiving that Jesus carries our burdens and works in our lives
            (Php 4:6,7).

3. We are persecuted, but not abandoned.
    1) We cannot but be persecuted.
        (1) The whole world belongs to the devil (1 Jn 5:19).
        (2) Jesus destroyed the power of the devil and He brought heaven (1 Jn 3:8).
        (3) The devil resists bitterly because he lost power (1 Pe 5:8,9).
    2) A spiritual battleground - We are living on a spiritual battleground (Eph 6:12).
        Strong devil power brings strong persecution, and weak devil power brings weak
        persecution (2 Ti 3:12).
    3) Will not be abandoned when persecuted.
        (1) Suffer with the Lord - Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me? (Ac 9:5).
        (2) The Lord gives great consolation (2 Co 1:4,5; 7:4).
        (3) God makes us rely on Him only (2 Co 1:8-10).
        (4) Great prize giving of heaven (Mt 5:11,12; Heb 10:35-37).

4. We are struck down, but not destroyed.
    To be struck means to face death.
    1) Jesus who is within us - He died, but resurrected (Rev 1:18).
    2) Blessings of a person who died in Jesus - Death of Stephen (Ac 7:55-60).
    3) Crown of life (Rev 2:10).
        Everyone will perish eternally who dies without Jesus
        (1 Jn 5:12; 2 Co 6:8-10; Ro 8:38,39).


Conclusion : "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus´ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body" (2 Co 4:10,11).