The Potter's Wheel

"Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the Lord. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!" Jeremiah 18:5,6

Dana and I visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee every few years. We have our favorite activities we look forward to each time we go, one of mine being the crafts community. We take a journey on the winding back roads and stop in at each establishment to ooh and awe over all of their unique wares and collectibles. I am most excited when we come upon a potter sitting at his wheel. I will stand for hours in amazement at this art taking place before my eyes. It puts my mind at rest for that moment and eases my senses as I watch the slow progression of the beautiful artwork coming together by the hands of the craftsman.

It is truly amazing to me that a person can take a hard, cold, lifeless, lump of clay and slap it down on this round shaped machine. He then sits, and with his foot, controls the speed of the wheel as it spins around. Using his hands, ever so gently, as the mound begins to warm and soften to his touch, he shapes the unformed lump. He adds water to his hands to keep the clay from drying out as it moves within his knowing hands.

The artist already knows what the final product will be. He has seen in his mind's eye how this beautifully unique sculpture will be used or displayed. He has imagined the purpose, size, shape. and the color of the object before he even sits down to begin his work. He is ready, prepared, and able to start the project before he even touches the clay.

I have watched as the potter sometimes might have to crush and remold the object and start the process all over. Sometimes the potter may have to use special tools to bring the rare artwork to life.

When his work is done at the wheel he takes the piece and places it into what is known as a kiln. It is an oven that reaches very high temperatures, and after long hours under this heat the object is made firm and solid; ready to be glazed or painted to it's finality. What satisfaction he must feel as he stands back and observes his artwork, and what joy I believe he experiences as he listens to others proclaim the beauty of his talent.

-I know that the Lord is pleased with His finished project in each of us. He molds you and makes you to resemble His image.

"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." (Isaiah 64:8)

-He begins a good work in us and never gives up until the job is completed.

"I am sure of this that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)

-I understand the reason He must 'start again' when we do not bend to His will or pay attention to His discipline.

"But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over." (Jerm. 18:4)

-The heat that you may go through (life's challenges) is testing you to make you strong and able to stand without breaking; to be ready to carry out His purpose for your life.

"Because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3,4)

May we always be striving for greatness in God through how we choose to live our daily lives.

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." (Rom. 12:2)

I love you & He loves you more.

Lord, Mold me and make me into Your image. Help me when I fall short, and forgive me when my choices do not line up with Yours. Bring me back to You and may I be ready to stand in Your presence, wholey made right in Your sight. In Jesus' name. Amen.