The potter and the clay

The potter and the clay

Scripture: Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? Isaiah 29:16

Observation: Isaiah 29 speaks further of a time where God will come and cause a great and powerful shaking on the earth. It is a time of earthquakes, storm and tempest, devouring fire. And there will also be a loss of wisdom among the people, with the wisdom of the wise men perishing and the understanding of prudent men being hid. In the midst of these upheavals, many will question why this is happening.

In life too, when things go wrong, when we are not happy with ourselves, perhaps not happy with our parents, our husbands, our children, many may begin to question God. Why did you place me in this family? Why did you make me look this way? Why do I have these defects? Why did you allow me to take this job? Why is my life upside down?

It is here that Isaiah 29:16 gives us perspective. God made us. He placed us where we are. He is our maker. Who are we to question him? Can the clay say to the potter “Why did you make me this way?” Or the toy to the toymaker “Why did you make me this way?” It is the prerogative of the Lord to put us where He wants according to His purposes. If He brings trials and hardships, it is His prerogative.

Job, after being stricken by numerous disasters exclaimed “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the Lord be praised!”

The main principle here is that we should not question the circumstance we are in or delve into self-sympathy and regret. Instead, we should look forward to the bright future that we have in Jesus Christ. All testing and trials and hardships should instead be accepted as training to make us better and more mature as James writes “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Scripture talks of an “evil day”, referring to a time when trouble and hardship comes. Yet, even an “evil day” can be used by God for good. The evil done to Joseph was turned into the salvation of Jacob’s whole family. The calamity endured by Ruth and Naomi was turned into the blessing of being included into the family of Boaz. The day meant for the extermination of the Jews during the time of Queen Esther was turned into a day of feasting and celebration that they celebrate to this day.

Application:-  As Jesus turned water to wine, He can in an instant turned our unsavory situation into something precious all in His good time. Hence, we do best not to question Him but the pray for strength and endurance, and use that circumstance to help us draw closer to God.

Prayer:- Lord, I do not understand why some things happen, when turbulence and upheaval comes into my life. However, I choose to trust You, Lord, that You know the best for me, and I submit myself to You. Give me strength and endurance and patience I pray.  Bless You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.