The Potter’s Wheel

There are several references to the “potter’s wheel” in the Bible.  Some are in Isaiah, but my favorite is in Jeremiah 18:1-4.  It’s the story of the potter at work.  The clay on the wheel turns out badly so he starts over.

Now, it’s obvious that God is the potter and we are the clay.  And somehow things get messed up.

We know God doesn’t “mess up.”  So, it must be us!  And it probably happens when we start telling God how to run things.  I mean after all, aren’t we the experts?

I love Job 38:4 when God said to Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?” Really? So, I guess God didn’t need Job’s help for that!

Here’s the beauty of the story of the potter and the clay.  The potter doesn’t get angry at the mess we’ve made.  He doesn’t throw away the clay.  He may mold it, reshape it, add to it, but He keeps right on working on that same bit of clay.  In one translation, it actually says God uses the same clay to make another pot!

So, if you feel like things are a mess – stay on the wheel!  He is shaping you into something even better!  That’s what He does!  He never gives up on us!  Don’t you give up either!  He is making you into something beautiful!  After all, He is the Master Potter!