Shatter

Elisabeth Elliot:

In the spiritual realm there must always be a breaking-up and breaking-down before the inwrought life is free for use. Those who sow in tears are promised that they shall reap in joy. But for long years prayer may seem to effect nothing. 

When Gideon was told to attack the Midianites the pitchers had to be shattered before the light could shine. Paul must have had that story in mind when he wrote of our being mere clay pots, but with a priceless treasure, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God within. He who knew many kinds of shattering has shed a strong light down through the ages.