Molded by the Master

 

Romans 9

20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?  NIV BibleGateway

When the potter takes the lump of clay, he knows what he wants to do with it-whether he wants to create a beautiful vase, bowl, or pitcher. He already knows what it is going to become. He takes the lump of clay, places it on the pottery wheel, and begins to shape it. However, the only way the potter can form this piece of clay into something beautiful is by getting it to the center of the wheel...

   One of the reasons God is not able to make us into the people He wants us to be is because we rebel against Him-we insist on doing things our way and get out of the center of His will. If we insist on questioning and contradicting Him, we'll never experience God's best.

   Romans 9:20, 21 warns, "Who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, 'Why did you make me like this,' will it? or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?"

   God is daily molding us through our circumstances, and we need to trust Him-our faith in Him is absolutely crucial. To follow are six words to describe our Master Potter that will help us when our faith falters:

1 Power.

   God has power in our lives because He is omnipotent... He allows our free will up to a certain point; however, the Master Potter has the ultimate power over the day.

2. Purpose.

   God has a specific purpose in mind for each of us...

3. Plan.

   ...to conform us into the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ...

4. Patience.

   God never hurries...  because becoming like Jesus Christ involves a lifetime process of learning the ways of God.

5. Perseverance.

   ...God never discards us... our Father has the power to overcome any obstacle in our lives...

6. Personal.

   God forms each one of us individually...

   Therefore, trust the Master Potter!  Trust the One who is powerful, who has a purpose and a plan for you, who is patient with you, who perseveres with you, and who loves you deeply and personally. As He molds you, learn from Him... You're a masterpiece waiting to happen, so submit to His touch.

read the rest of Dr. Stanley's notes on page 1013. Stanley, Charles F. Life Principles Daily Bible: Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Yea. Thomas Nelson publishers, Nashville. 2011.