Depend on Him Like Clay to a Potter

Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 35: Clay

By Pastor Ronny Luces

One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is the story of the potter and the clay. I’m sure when we were in school, we experienced how it was to work with clay.

There is a lot involved in the process of making something out of clay. Once we learned the basic ways to work the clay, it took on whatever shape we gave it.

Barangay Pahanocoy in Bacolod City is widely known as a pottery producing community.

During one of our outdoor trips while still a Bacolod student, we happened to drop by in that barangay and observe the actual pot-making process.

It was a very enlightening episode that revealed this one particular truth – the clay was totally subject to the potter’s design.

As I reflected on this story in connection with my situation, I realized that God allowed this sickness to happen to me because he was molding me to a certain shape, which could be good for me, and because he has better plans for me.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”

For his plans to be realized in my life, I need to depend on him like clay to a potter fully.

I will not resist, I will not complain, I will not protest. I need to be pliant, soft, and easy to mold.

I am but clay in the potter’s hands,
does clay say to the potter, what is it you make?
Worry and fear are not from which I stand,
therefore I must trust the potter’s will is at stake.
As he finishes sculpting, I know I am changed,
I can feel my new ridges and sturdy base.
But just as I find ease in what was once strange,
I see there is more ahead I must face.
Life is not easy, not even for clay,
for heat is what makes us strong.
The kiln has been burning, awaiting my day
and the licks of the flames are long.
I am but clay in the potter’s hands,
my fate is not mine to choose.
I must trust that he knows his perfect plan,
and that I have nothing to lose.
As I’m led to the fire, the potter is gentle,
he knows I can only handle so much.
He assures me the end results will be plentiful
if I trust in him and remain tough.
So I face the adversity, the heat and the pain,
knowing the flame cannot bring my end.
Though I ache and I hurt and I want to place blame,
I cling to the hope that the potter sends.

God bless everyone!

Posted on FB: Saturday, 28 March 2015 at 2:46 PM