. 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. I also learned the meaning of trusting the Potter’s hands. 

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.” Hesitating, 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 slowed to a stop. I tried again to position the clay ball, but this time I slung the clay onto the surface forcefully so it made solid contact with the center of 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.

~Jeremiah 18:4 NIV

In Jeremiah, God describes Himself as the Potter and His people as the clay. I thought of the many times the Master has lovingly thrown me onto the wheel while I was in adversity. He sought to mold me into a vessel He could use to honor, glorify, and reflect Him. I endured harsh circumstances—chronic illness, job loss, and relational struggles. But in these difficulties, my faith in Christ grew by leaps and bounds as the Lord shaped and held me in His hands.

Sometimes, life throws us onto the wheel of affliction, and the pain is overwhelming. But we can know God will use these situations to make us radiant vessels for His glory. Soon, after residing in the Potter’s hands, we will see Him exchange every pain for a beautiful purpose as He helps us overcome the schemes of the enemy. God is with us, and He sees us through.

How can knowing God as Potter offer you strength to overcome any difficulty?

Heavenly Father, help me to trust that even in the most challenging circumstances. Let me see that Your hands are upon me. So, help me trust You to create something meaningful out of my hardest seasons. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Trusting the Potter’s Hands: Rosann Coulon: All Rights Reserved