We are the clay, and You are the potter. We all are formed by Your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
I love this analogy for God’s work in our lives. A potter begins with a project in mind and carefully chooses just the right clay. He then begins to mold and shape, his hands always on the clay carefully adding a little clay here, taking away a little there, continually forming until the piece is complete. The potter then places his creations into a kiln at a very high temperature. He knows just the right temperature and the length of time to leave he piece in the kiln to ensure the object will be strong and durable.
In Psalm 139, we learn that God formed us in our mother’s womb. Life takes on a new perspective when we understand God personally formed each one of us. It is no accident that you are as tall (or as short) as you are. Even if you were born blind, lame, or what is considered defective in some way, it is not a mistake. We may look at our life and think God could not possibly make something for His glory. But I am convinced that when we come to Him in complete surrender, He is able to take all the broken pieces and create something new and beautiful. Whatever our condition, when we come to Him, He will use us to bring glory to Himself. There is true joy and freedom for those who recognize and accept God’s plan for our lives.
The Bible is full of encouraging words that tell us we are in a process of transformation. God will use every experience in our lives to mold us into the vessel He intends us to become if we allow Him to have His way. He uses the “heat” of our trials and difficult circumstances to mold and shape us for His purpose. Notice the perspective we are to have from His Word:
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).
I personally experienced God’s hands shaping my life when I submitted to His will to return to my marriage after a period of separation. God knew the plans He had for my life, and He created me for something much more beautiful than what I had planned for myself. By submitting myself to Him, I experienced His love, His grace and mercy, His forgiveness, His power to transform my life and our marriage. God created in me a heart of love for Him, for my husband, and a desire to live each day in the center of His will.
If we have come to the place where we can honestly say, “You are the potter; I am the clay; do whatever you want with my life,” we can be fully confident that He is at work and will make something beautiful. God promises, He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
We can experience true joy and freedom when we recognize and accept God’s plan for our lives. We can trust Him to be at work in every circumstance.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Can you honestly say to God, “You are the potter; I am the clay. Do whatever you want with my life”? Will you ask Him to give you a heart that is willing to be molded and shaped by Him for His purpose?
What are you holding back that would keep God from having His perfect will in your life?
Take time to read Psalm 139. Think about the truth that God personally formed you in your mother’s womb. He knows you completely. Identify any areas of your life – physically, emotionally, intellectually – that you consider defective. Bring these before the Lord and ask Him to show you how He can use even this for His glory.
What circumstances in your life right now is God using to mold you into His perfect vessel?
Remember that you are in a process that will last as long as you live. God will use every circumstance of your life to mold you. He does not force His will on you, but He requires your submission and obedience to become the vessel He designed you to become. Write a prayer to express your desire.
Thank you so much for these wise words! When I was in the 4th grade, I knew I was not willing to let God have His way in my life because I was afraid He would put me in difficult and dangerous situations. I lived in fear and could not sing songs at church that talked about letting God have His way. My school teacher was reading a missionary biography to us, and God spoke to me powerfully through that. One day at recess, I finally gave in. I found a quiet corner of the school yard and told God He could take over my life. The fear was gone, and I experienced peace. But I have realized over the years that this yielding must be daily, and circumstance by circumstance. And it must be taken seriously. We must mean it with our whole hearts, fully trusting God. And we must ask for God’s help to do this.