The following is a devotion that Randy & I read this morning out of our "Quiet Moments with God for couples" devotion book by Honor Books. I have always liked the analogy of God as the potter & we are the clay so this particular devotion really spoke to me & I would like to share it with you.
"I went down to the potter's house, & behold, he wrought a work on the wheels."
Jeremiah 18:3 KJV
Have you ever watched potters begin to shape vessels? It is a most amazing sight, because the potters will only succeed if they get the unformed chunk of clay in the exact center of the wheel. Once the clay is centered, the skill of the potters can be realized. The potters carefully wet their hands, select the clay, & place it on the wheel. As they begin to turn the wheel, the lumps in the clay are revealed. Spinning the wheel faster, they smooth out the lumps, & the clay begins to take on an unruffled apprearance.
This is just the first part of the task. We now see them shape the mass of clay so that its heart is perfectly aligned with the very center of the wheel. This requires both strength & a loving, delicate touch. This "centering" is the most important step in the preparation process, because it gives the piece strength & integrity. Our spiritual walk with God is just like this. We begin as a hunk of clay with many lumps, & through God's grace & skill, we are transformed into beautiful, strong vessels for the Kingdom. But we must align our very heart with the center of God's will. God is always at work in our lives, especially during the times of proper preparation.
Henry Ward Beecher said, "We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things." Of this you can be rest assured; When you allow God to shape you, He will always use you for good.
"Be simple: take our Lord's hand & walk through things." Father Andrew
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