Lent Day 24

Have It Your Way, Lord

“Humble yourselves … under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” 1 Peter 5:6

“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’” Isaiah 45:9

The season of Lent occurs during springtime, when, in much of the U.S., bare ground appears after the snow has melted away. Has the lifeless soil ever reminded you that God formed Adam, the first human, from dust?

Imagine the Lord bending down to scoop up fine clay. Now, imagine yourself in the hands of God.

God says several times in the Bible that you are like clay in a potter’s hands. He is making you into an object of beauty to display Christ to the world.

But if you’re like me, you often resist God’s molding.

Isaiah 45:9 explains that opposing God’s shaping is as absurd as clay that talks back to the potter. God created you, loves you and wants what’s best for you, but you resist because of your sinful nature.

God told the prophet Jeremiah to watch a potter at work. The potter began spinning the clay, carefully but firmly shaping the lump of clay into a beautiful vessel. Through observing a potter at his craft, Jeremiah could understand the importance of God’s people submitting to God’s gentle, forming power. Jeremiah received this message from God for the people: “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand” Jeremiah 18:6

In the same way, Jesus speaks to you. You don’t have to grasp for control. You’re in the hands of a potter who has proven with His own life that you can surrender without risk of harm. “Learn from Me,” Jesus says, “for I am gentle and humble in heart” Matthew 11:29

Respond

Watch a potter transform lifeless clay into a useful and beautiful vessel. Think about how the form adds to its function and consider how God’s artistry is at work in you. Choose a verse to write on a card and keep it with you, reminding yourself that you are clay in a faithful potter’s hands.