Let it out, then let it go.

2 Corinthians 4:

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

This is a familiar scripture, but its relevancy is so powerful. We are constantly faced with challenges, and at times, just like a clay pot, highly breakable. Yet God chose to give us the treasure of His word so that by knowing the word, we can represent Him on the earth. This valuable gift is immeasurable, and He gave it to us not only to hold onto, but to share with a hurting and dying world. The treasure inside of us should draw attention to a loving, merciful God and His promises. Sure, we can sulk for a moment when we don't get our way, or sob until morning from heartbreak, but if we are a reflection of God's power by being steadfast when trials come, what a testimony to world around us we'd be.

Oh, the possibilites!

Tangible faith. What is that? Seems like an oxymoron. Something tangible is something concrete; substantial; physical. Faith is trusting in something believed in without any logical proof. We’re all familiar with its definition as described in Hebrews 11:

1“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

So how can faith ever be tangible? Or better yet, touchable? It is a lifelong pursuit of becoming like Christ, being disciples so that we and others see Him in us more than ourselves. Christians often quote the scripture, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philip. 1:21), but do we really get what it means? Dying to oneself for the sake of His cause. Yikes. That’s a huge commitment. But it is the fruit of life. And yet is seems to be a huge pitfall of many Christians. Becoming a Christian is one thing, but being a Disciple is another. Paul is not asking that we be a martyr, just to study God’s word and spend time with Him. Who is your best friend? I’m sure you spend tons of time with that person, and you’ve probably have picked up a few of his/her habits. Sometimes you may notice you even sound just like her. That’s like spending time with God. The more you talk with Him, listen to Him, and read about Him, you’ll find yourself resembling Him. It’s just that simple; it just happens. As eager disciples, we are the living testaments of faith to an unconvinced world. Tangible? Absolutely possible. Live a Christ-like life, sure of whom God is, so that you leave a legacy of God’s unending love for the world around you.