Pestilence Confronted: Jars of Clay

Pestilence Confronted: “Jars of Clay…”

This week at our CBMC team meeting one of our members shared how he was experiencing some “anxious times” and going through difficulties that were not related to the Covid 19 virus.  

This really struck me as true to life. We do not need a “virus” to be troubled  by life’s problems or anxious about something, including suffering from poor health. Life is always fragile and unpredictable. As the Apostle Paul framed it, “we have this treasure [gospel, grace, salvation] in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Like a jar of clay we are breakable and continually aware that “the surpassing power belongs to God.” We are in reality, simply “jars of clay.” Once again the Holy Scriptures prove themselves to be timeless in application and perfect in speaking to the true issues of life.  

In our team meeting we agreed that whatever time we have to live and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, our task is to stay focused on the will of God for us. And we know part of God’s will for us is to be “witnesses” of Jesus, his Gospel and the kingdom of heaven. Another team member asked us to turn to Peter’s letter where we read this teaching: 

“Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

It does bring much comfort to know that God cares for you and me in the midst of any and all circumstances and suffering. 

Blessings,
Jim Firnstahl

Global Prayer Points

As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership. 

Africa: Pray for God’s intervention as we fight this virus globally. Pray for God’s protection and preservation of the health of all CBMC members across the world. Pray for the growth of CBMC in Africa, even during these challenging days.

Asia/Pacific: Pray that the virus will not continue especially in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Pray for Malaysia to have a righteous government, political stability, economic recovery and racial harmony. Hong Kong: please pray for peace and for our CBMC brothers and sisters who are working through the challenges in the days ahead. 

Europe: Pray that our work will bear fruit and bring many business leaders to Christ. Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]

Latin America: Pray for protection and healing of CBMC families and team members who are in Brazil and Mexico, ‘hot spots’ of the pandemic.

North America: Pray for establishing an e-CBMC (next generation) in North America Korean CBMC. Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus. 

If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.