Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!
During a bible study we were talking about how we need to “be still, and know that I am God” (first part of Psalms 46:10). We talked about how we all struggle with just letting God work on us. As we talked, I thought about clay on a potter’s wheel.
A potter first prepares the clay by “wedging” the clay. This is done by kneading it like dough. This process gets the air bubbles out and gives the clay a better consistency. God prepares us, gently kneading us trying to get the impurities out and giving us a better “consistency” for molding us.
Once this is done, the clay is formed into a ball and then thrown down close to the center of the wheel then centered and often a seal is done to ensure proper placement. God tries to “center” us is such a way that He can then begin to mold us. Think of this as God placing us in the right spot on this earth to receive His word.
Once the clay is centered on the wheel the potter begins to mold the clay into some sort of vessel. God works on molding us, forming us into a vessel to receive and hold the Holy Spirit. God gently presses or nudges in certain areas to help shape us. Sometimes He pours water on us (His word, His truth) to help in the molding process. Sometimes we collapse into a heap.
When we collapse, or falter, He doesn’t just throw us away and pick up new clay. He pours a little water on us, kneads us to get the impurities out, then centers us on the wheel where He begins to shape us, mold us, once again.
Feel God’s gentle touch as He molds you. Be still and let Him work. He will form you into a beautiful vessel and fill you with the Holy Spirit preparing you for an eternity with Him.
But remember, just be still.