2 Corinthians 4:7-10 ESV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. [8] We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
The treasure that dwells in our weak humanity is of course Jesus, and his indwelling adequacy delivers us for our weakness; for in our weaknesses his strength is made perfect. The examples of that liberating truth in verses eight through nine are vivid. In this fallen world, we have tribulation, but the one who has already proven himself as the Overcomer of the world is our source of living and coping with this fallen world.
Though we experience affliction, Christ within is never crushed. Though at times life seems perplexing, Jesus within never despairs. We may experience persecution and rejection, but Christ who is our life, doesn’t walk in insecurity and forsakeness; and finally in the most difficult situations that could strike us down emotionally, Christ who is our life never feels all is lost and dark.
In all of these things, Christ redeems them by using them as a platform to manifest his life overcoming through us.
Yes, in all these momentary light afflictions, as Paul describes them later in this chapter, there is being cultivated in us and released through us an eternal weight of glory.