Shaping Our Lives

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.”—Jeremiah 18:4

God told Jeremiah to go to a potter’s house. There he saw a man working at his wheel, shaping clay that had been marred. The potter worked until the pot was formed to his satisfaction. Then the Lord spoke: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” (v. 6).

We need to remember that God Himself works like a potter in our lives. We may feel we are in control and know what is best for us. We may feel that we already have the proper shape, personality, and character, and have been sufficiently molded.

But we need to remember that we are God’s vessels. He sees our potential and knows why we were created. He knows how we can function best, what we should avoid, and what is best for us. He will shape us until we are the vessels He wants us to be and He is satisfied with our shape, character, personality, and habits.

Realize that God is at work in your life just like that potter. Even if you think He is finished, He may see more work that needs to be done. When this happens, understand that He is not punishing you. He is your Creator. He loves you and desires to mold you until He is satisfied.

Trust Him to shape you. Submit to His molding process. Cooperate as He perfects you.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer thanking God for all He’s done to make you more like Him.