Clay in the Potters Hand
"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." (Isaiah 64:8 NLT)My brother-in-law is a potter. Seeing his finished pieces always brings awe, especially knowing the process it takes to get there. Starting out with a glob of semi-firm clay he adds a little water to make it more pliable, spins the "wheel," and applies pressure to the top of the glob with his fingers and starts transforming it into a vessel. Often he uses other tools to further enhance the vessel's usefulness like creating a curved edge to keep the eventual contents spilling out. Once the shape is to his liking he adds more water, little by little, to gently smooth the surface. The air-dried piece goes into a kiln to be cooked, making it stronger and suitable for its intended purpose. It takes a skilled craftsman to shape a lump of clay into a useful object, but more importantly, to produce an item without air bubbles or cracks; things that would cause it to break.
God is One such craftsman. The Bible refers to people as clay and God as the "potter", the One who makes us into something useful. Since humans are flawed and prone to breakage, we need a skilled hand to fix those flaws and strengthen us. When we lay down our desire to create ourselves into what we deem as useful, and allow God to do the creating, we begin to become truly useful. He smooths our rough exterior, releases the air bubbles of pride, finds the hidden cracks that make us vulnerable and shapes us to be what is suited for the task He has in mind. Sometimes God may use His powerful hands to apply pressure to certain areas of our lives that need reshaping. Other times He may use another tool to completely cut off some habit or sin that weakens our effectiveness. At the same time, His hands are gentle, able to apply new clay to fill in the areas He has removed. Always, though, He keeps His purpose in mind, doing only what is necessary to achieve it. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
Are we content to be clay in God's hands, or do we resist being molded into something new, something different? Even though we may not like who we are, somehow it seems more comfortable to stay that way instead of embracing the change God desires for us. However, there is great joy in being reshaped by God!
A. Peace in knowing that you are in the hands of a skilled physician rather than relying on a "Do-Your-Own-Surgery-at-Home" kit.
B. Assurance that the results will always improve your ability to be all God intends for you to be.
C. Knowledge that the process will always be accompanied with the loving care and support of your Heavenly Father.
D. Thanksgiving that God loves you so much, sees your potential and wants you to become whole.
E. A closer relationship with God that brings real fulfillment to your life.
To truly make a difference in this world, we must first be changed.
Be blessed-
Jeanine Black
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