Jars of Clay

     So far this week we have seen ourselves as empty vessels ready for Christ to fill us, as weak and cracked pots ready for God to shine through us and today we see ourselves as jars of clay ready for the potter’s hand. Sounds a little like a ceramic's class. God sees us in all of our uniqueness, in the way we act, in our personality types, in our natural giftedness and He puts it all together to create in us the desires of His heart. 
      Sometimes, just as the potter needs to use fire to form the pot in just the right way, God uses our sorrow and suffering for His good purposes. We would never choose to go through some of the things that life throws at us, but we often come out of the darkest of days with more strength, more wisdom, more compassion and with the desire and ability to help others, especially those suffering in a similar way. 
      As I was imagining God working as a potter to mold us into something unique and special I thought of two pieces or pottery in my house. One is a yellow vase with a very large and uneven rim around it; the other, a shallow chubby, deep-blue coffee mug with several imperfections. Both were made by our youngest daughter, Lauren, years ago. They both make me smile and both are proudly on display. God loves every part of us, even those quirky parts of us that may seem odd to the casual observer. He sees beyond the blemishes, the disabilities, the health issues, the loss and tragedy, the parts of ourselves we despise and He smiles. He sees the heart. 

Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 

     Begin to see yourself as God’s treasure. Be ready for the Potter’s hand to continue to mold you into all you are meant to be during this short life on earth. His all-surpassing power is within us to do His good work. Are you ready, you amazing work of art? 

 Dear Father, You see beyond our imperfections and look to all of the possibilities in us. Mold us into Your workmanship, into Your treasures. We are the work of Your hands. Amen