The Potter’s Hand

Written by Sharon Wooden

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-6 - "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 'Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you.' Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make."

Reflection:
Imagine your life as clay in the hands of a divine potter, the Lord Himself. What parts of your life feel marred, broken, or scarred? Perhaps your joy leaks out, your peace seems to vanish, or you feel perpetually dry and empty. Like the woman with no oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7, who was instructed to gather empty vessels to receive her blessing, you too are invited to bring your emptiness to God.

The potter does not just patch up; He transforms. He doesn't seek a 'collaboration piece' where we dictate the terms of our transformation. Instead, He desires His original design, crafted uniquely for each of us, far beyond our own limited visions or plans.

Prayer:
"Lord, I come before You as a vessel marred by life's trials, with cracks from my own shortcomings. I acknowledge that I cannot hold water like a cistern with holes. Today, I surrender my broken pieces to You, the Divine Potter. Mold me, shape me, and remake me according to Your will. Let me not resist Your hands but trust in Your vision for me which is far greater than my own. Fill me with Your presence, make me a vessel of honor, filled with Your glory, so that I might pour out blessings to others. Teach me to be empty of myself, so I can be filled with You. Amen."

Application:
Self-Examination: Reflect on areas where you feel broken or unfulfilled. Write them down or meditate upon them.

Surrender: Consciously give these areas over to God in prayer, asking for His transformative work.

Trust: Practice daily trust in God's process, knowing that His design for your life is perfect and purposeful.

Service: As you are remade, look for opportunities to pour out the blessings you receive into the lives of others, thereby becoming a vessel of honor for His glory.

Remember, the journey on the potter's wheel isn't about being fixed back to what was but being made into something new and glorious, reflecting His design.