7. We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.
8. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up.
9. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.
10-11. We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us.
12. This means that death is working in us, but life is working in you.
13. In the Scriptures it says, “I spoke because I had faith.” We have that same kind of faith. So we speak
14. because we know that God raised the Lord Jesus to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together with you.
15. All this has been done for you, so that more and more people will know how kind God is and will praise and honour him.
16. We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day.
17. These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.
18. Things that are seen don't last for ever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That's why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.