By His Design

He said, "Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.~Jeremiah 18:6

Yesterday,  I saw a beautiful display of pottery.  They were in all different shapes and sizes.  The colors were vibrant and each creation had a purpose.  I overheard the artist remark that they were all made with dusts and water.  My mind immediately leaped to Jeremiah 18:6 

He said, "Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.~Jeremiah 18:6

This verse has stayed with me over the last week or so.  I find such comfort in knowing that God is the one shaping and molding my life, especially when it feels like everything is out of sorts.  This verse wells up within to remind me that I am God’s design and I will be what He has declared me to be, even if that means He has to shatter me to make something new and even better.

At first thought, shattering sounds so devastating.  Why would God want me to experience that type of “horror”? Why would I need to experience the heartaches abs heartbreaks of life?  That is definitely one way to look at trials and tribulations, however God has told us to count them all joy.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.~James 1-2-4

Therefore, when see God reminding us in Jeremiah 18:6 that He is God and that there is nothing that is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37).  I see Him breaking those things in me that will keep me from displaying His glory.  I see the beauty in the fractures because my brokenness opens me up to the many possibilities that God has waiting for me to receive and be.  He is taking the dust of my mistakes and imperfections and adding His Spirit, His living water ( John 4:10) and creating a unique work of art.  

This jar of clay is being made with purpose.  I made with a hidden treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7).  So no matter what happens in my life. I know that God is at work.  He is at the wheel shaping me.  It does not matter how dark things may seem or how warped my life may look at the moment, I can trust God. There is nothing is too difficult for Him ( Jeremiah 32:27).  There is no situation or circumstance that He can not handle.  No affliction of the mind or body that He can not heal and allow me to overcome, for He is my potter and I am His clay.

Father, thank You for being God.  Thank You for keeping me in your love.  Father, it is You who has formed me and it is You alone who can shape me into what You have declared.  Father, help me to rest in your hands and trust your grace.  Help me Lord, to remember that it is You who adds breath to my life.  It is Your living water that turns my dust into clay.  Every day is full of opportunities and reasons to rejoice because my life is in your hands.  Thank You and may my life bring You glory and praise.  In Jesus name.  Amen