Romans 9:21 ESV
“Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”
Summer break started for my daughter just a few short weeks ago, and I immediately began planning a summer filled with beach trips, endless popsicles, and crafts. I tend to be a little impulsive, so on a whim, I loaded my two daughters into our vehicle and set out to find a container of air-dry clay.
I had watched many videos and tutorials on how to make adorable little animal figurines and was determined to create some of my own. I (unfortunately) hyped my daughters up and convinced them that they would be masters of air-dry clay in a matter of seconds.
You can probably guess how this venture ended.
Air-dry clay is a formidable foe, and at the end of one hour all we had to show for ourselves were dirty hands, and a pile of clay that sort of, slightly, not really, resembled a mushroom, unicorn, and a cow.
This led me to wonder, am I sometimes difficult to work with in the hands of God? Do I fight the process, resolving early on that my ways are better and that I understand more than He does? Does my distorted perception interfere with me seeing clearly what God is trying to do in my life? Personally, the answer to these questions is more than likely yes.
Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? Why do you respond and react the way you do? Why do you make the same wrong choices over and over again? If so, you aren’t alone in this. Our flesh likes to do its own thing and loathes being told what to do. We can read that even Paul the Apostle struggled with this. Romans 7:15 says “For I do not understand my actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
Paul has the remedy for this persistent problem, and that is to set our mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6 ESV). Paul recognizes and acknowledges his shortcomings, but does not dwell in condemnation. He rather sets his mind on things above and diligently pursues God.
How can this be done? Daily bible reading, prayer/communication with God that strengths your foundation and establishes a strong relationship, praise and worship, and fellowship with the body of Christ are just a few ways in which we can set our minds on things above.
Allow yourself to be molded and shaped by the Potter today, He has great plans for you!
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