Ramblings of a Believer

When a potter works with clay, it takes time to shape it into it’s finished product.  Sometimes as the clay begins to form, it develops defects or blemishes.  At this point the potter has options; he can leave the defects, fix them, or start over.  The potter rarely decides to throw the clay away because it is still has value and the potential to be shaped into a meaningful purpose.  Like the potter, God works to shape us and mold us.  This doesn’t mean that we become meaningless puppets, but it does mean that we submit to the will and direction of God in our lives.

There are several places in the Bible where the analogy of a potter and clay are used to represent our relationship with God.  In Jeremiah 18:6 it says, “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” In this passage, God is comparing Israel to clay in the hands of a potter.  It also shows God’s desire and ability to mold us into His purpose.  As we submit to His will and become receptive to His impact on our lives, He begins to shape us into the valuable vessel we were meant to become.  No matter what happens, as long as we remain in the Potter’s hands, He will never discard us from a relationship with Him and will continue to shape us and reshape us for His purpose.