“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.”
Jeremiah 18:6b NIV

I entered my first pottery class with nervous excitement. After carefully choosing a misshapen ball of moist clay, I heard the instructor’s directions, “You have to throw the clay hard onto the wheel to make it stick.” Hesitatingly, I dropped the clay and as soon as the wheel began to turn, the ball slid from side-to-side. It was unpliable in its present state. My foot released the pedal and the wheel slowly stopped. I reattempted my beginning. This time, I slung the clay onto the surface with force and made solid contact with the center of the wheel.

In Jeremiah, God describes Himself as the Potter and His people as the clay. I thought of the many times I’ve been lovingly thrown onto the wheel of adversity in order for the Master to mold me into a vessel He could use to honor, glorify, and reflect Himself. These were difficult surfaces to adhere to––chronic illness, job loss, and relational struggles––to name a few. But it was in these difficulties my faith in Christ grew by leaps and bounds, as the Lord shaped me and held me in His hands.

Sometimes life throws us onto the wheel of affliction and the pain is overwhelming. In these times we can be certain God will use every situation to make us beautiful vessels for His glory. As we reside in the true Potter’s hand, every pain can be exchanged for beautiful purpose.

Prayer

Dear Father, help me to trust that even in the most difficult circumstances, Your hand is upon me. And that You are creating something meaningful and good out of the hardest seasons. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Ponder

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28 NIV

How can seeing yourself in the hands of a good Father help you believe that God is making something beautiful out of the most painful situations in your life?

Make a list of the times God has brought blessings to you out of the hardest circumstances.