With wisdom, humor, and compassion, Nancy spoke of becoming a finished vessel, ready to serve God in our own unique way. Just as each pot or vase is uniquely designed for a set purpose, she reminded us to celebrate the unrepeatable individuality that God has created for each of us. As His children, we are individually loved, called, and set apart for unique service and a unique purpose, all in order to glorify our Master and Creator!
She talked about how God molds us and shapes us, but first He has to beat the lumps of clay out of us to make us smooth. Sometimes His hands feel rough, but it is all for our good, to make us into the unique and beautiful pot that he has designed us as. We are His vessels on the wheel, and He continues to chip away the lumps and bumps, and purify us on the wheel. Then, we are fired under mighty heat and strength, but He is with us.
It was so interesting when she showed us two pots....both very similar pots, but one had a beautiful glaze, and one lookd super dull. And the only difference between the two pots was that the beautiful one was fired only 15 degrees hotter than the other one. That's it....15 degrees hotter, but for the same amount of time. It was a reminder to thank God for "the heat" that He brings in our lives; to thank Him for the good and the not-so-good. For both experiences are from Him, as He molds and shapes us. It was also a reminder to stretch myself and grow and seek out new faith challenges, instead of being comfortable in my faith. Comfort is not always best. I don't know about you, but for me, it's been the times of challenges and struggles where my faith has grown the most, and I come out of those struggles with a more defined picture of who God is and how He works in my life. That's when I'm able to hear his voice more clearly. I'm so thankful for the way He is constantly molding and shaping me, and using others to teach me. I'm so glad He's not finished yet! :) Nancy's website is: www.peacefulpottery.com
"This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand." ~Jeremiah 18: 1-6
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