Pressed like Myrrh but not destroyed

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NKJV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. ⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

When Jesus was born one of the gifts He received was myrrh along with gold and frankincense which were considered luxurious products used by the rich and noble. Myrrh is got from an ordinary tree that has thorns. The Tree is bleed to get out the myrrh which has so many amazing properties. These include healing and anti oxidant properties. It is also used to embalm the dead, used as incense and was used in Bible times to anoint those called out for service.

One of the major properties of myrrh is its rich aroma and beautiful fragrance. It is therefore used for perfumes while the aroma soothes in times of suffering and pain helping in uplifting a person. Incidentally the word myrrh is derived from an Arabic word that means bitter and it is actually bitter to taste. Myrrh is crushed or pressed before it exudes the fragrance in it.  Something so valuable and useful can therefore come out from something plain, simple and unassuming like the tree or shrub myrrh is taken from. Many of us don’t consider ourselves as special, just regular everyday people then loss or widowhood further dents our self image and esteem. We wonder can any good come out of me. Verse 7 of our text says we have this treasure in earthen vessels. Beloved child of the most High God there is treasure in you.

Like Paul you may have been crushed, pressed, perplexed, and struck down by loss and the challenges of life but you will not be destroyed instead like myrrh God will use the pressure to bring out the treasure in you. The excellence of the power is not ours but it is of God that is why good can come out of what seems to be bad. A look at the lives of heroes of faith in the bible and even some great people that have walked this planet reveals that God allowed them go through life altering challenges but as they yielded to God’s plan for their lives good always came. Sometimes God allows the crushing so he can extract the fragrance from us. The Bible says we are the salt of the earth and just as salt gives flavour and taste God expects our lives to add a beautiful taste and fragrance to the world. I encourage you today to allow God bring purpose out of your pain. and may He cause grace and hope to flow out of your life. This experience will not break you it will make you!