This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. 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 18:1-6 NIV
Have you ever watched a potter working with clay on a wheel? It all starts with making sure the clay is centered properly. The wheel needs to be spinning at just the right speed and adjusted at different points in the process. He meticulously shapes the clay applying just the right amount of pressure to form the pot he desires. His hands work together, one applying pressure on the inside, the other on the outside. To keep the clay soft and pliable he adds water as he works. I like the thought of God taking such interest in our lives!
He makes sure we are centered properly, focused completely on Him. And should we begin to move from the center of the wheel, His hands gently guide us back. Left to our own devices, our world would be spinning out of control, but he monitors the speed and makes adjustments for us as needed. He meticulously shapes us by applying just the right amount of pressure. He knows when to press harder and He knows when to ease up. Sometimes the pressure comes from within, as He deals with our hearts and sometimes He uses pressure from without, but He always ensures that everything works together for our good. He takes a personal interest in our spiritual formation. His hands are all over us! I like the thought of that!
So what does a potter do when the pot he is shaping gets marred in his hands? Does he give up and throw the clay away? Does He just start over with a different piece of clay? No, instead he takes the time to reshape the clay as seems best to him. I love that! No doubt there are times when we get “marred” in the Father’s hands, times when the shape of our lives are not turning out as He desires. He never gives up on us! We remain in His hands and He keeps working with us, shaping us to become who He desires us to be!