There are several Scripture passages that liken God to a potter and us to clay. It’s the Creator’s right to transform and shape His children’s lives as He sees fit, and He is conforming us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). In other words, He is helping us not conform to the world or give in to our former lusts (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:14).
The problem arises when we don’t like the molding process. Then we argue with our Potter and complain about the difficulties and afflictions that sometimes result when He shapes us. Isaiah 45:9 puts it this way: “Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’” Our part as clay is to remain pliable and submit to the Lord’s purposes—not to let parts of our life toughen and resist His attempts to shape us.
God will work to remove those hard lumps so He can form us into vessels that are useful and pleasing to Him. Our responsibility is to accept any changes from the Master Potter. We can do this confidently because we are in His competent, skillful, and loving hands. And that is the safest and most satisfying place we can be.
And that’s the memo.
By InTouch Ministries
