During these past couple of weeks, I have been feeling the pressures of life. Wave upon wave of challenges coming our way. Loved-ones battling COVID-19, huge financial pressures, uncertainty about the future, lack of sleep, not enough time in the day for all that needs to get done, and a very emotional toddler. I know that there are worse things in life, but it felt like I was pressed on all sides, ready to crack. Our family has been in a difficult, challenging season for a long time, and I was trying not to lose heart and start complaining and wallowing. As I was aiming to stay positive, keeping my trust in God and not giving in to the emotions, the Holy Spirit reminded me of jars of clay.
I had prepared another blog for this week but felt the prompting to write about jars of clay instead. I hope what the Lord shared with me will encourage you as well.
1. We are in the hands of the Potter
“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the LORD. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”
Jeremiah 18:6 AMP
God remains in control, even when things in our lives seem chaotic. He is with us, by our side, aware of every challenge we face. With God, and as we cling to Him, we might crack, but we will never break. He promises to uphold us and strengthen us. We are never alone and never forsaken.
2. Cracks are good
“But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 AMP
We all feel fragile at times, with emotional resources running on empty. We feel tired, drained, discouraged, and despondent. It is okay not to have it all together all the time as believers. We are human, experiencing the trials of this world. It is important to lean into God’s love and grace during these times. Remember that God comforts and gives mercy. We must also realize that God’s grace enables us to carry on and not give up. God’s grace empowers us. We can hold on, keep moving forward, and trust still in our God Who will never lose His grip on us. When we are weak, He is strong. When we are cracking on all areas of our fleshly being, Jesus Christ and the supernatural can shine through. When we are at the end of ourselves, our means, our plans, our understanding, our reasoning, and our strength, we have nowhere else to turn, but to the God of the impossible. A greater measure of faith, a deeper trust and hope in the God Who can do the miraculous. Just keep on believing. We are not defeated because God is within us. Through our cracks, the Holy Spirit can shine through. Let go, and trust God to do what only He can.
3. God is making us beautiful inside and out
“Yet, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, And we all are the work of Your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8 AMP
We are God’s masterpiece. He is shaping us and molding us to be like Him. He is working out the kinks of our earthly nature to make us as He envisioned us to become. We are not a copy of one another or all made from the same mold. We are uniquely loved, uniquely shaped by His own hands to become a vessel with great purpose and impact. Through difficulties, God is molding us to lean on Him alone to keep on trusting even though our eyes cannot yet see the destination. It prepares us for our specific purpose where we can share Christ with others.
Clay is mixed with additives such as liquid glaze and fired at high-temperature to make vessels. After these processes, it can serve its purpose and hold water. Similarly, God deposits of Himself, His Spirit, His truth, His Word, and His character into us. Without Him, we are nothing and of no use. We develop and mature through trials as we trust Him. God will not give you an assignment, gifting, or anointing, your character cannot carry.
4. There is a higher purpose and beautiful outcome in the end
“Now in a large house there are not only vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:20-21 AMP
Jars of clay are not just ornaments for decoration but have a purpose for holding water or oil. We are all vessels, carrying the water or oil of the Holy Spirit within us. We are all called to share the Gospel and God’s Word. What is within us is more important than the outer appearances and material things of the earth. Remember that God is making you more holy and beautiful every day as you follow Him through every season. Through sanctification we grow towards stronger obedience to chose what is good in God’s eyes. We are being changed from glory to glory. Keep looking to Him, your eyes on the life hereafter and the goal of spending eternity with God in Heaven.
Make every effort to share His salvation with others. That is the purpose that we carry inside of us. Your life and testimony are significant. Share your oil or water.
Stay resolute my friend.
Talita
VERSE IMAGE OF THE WEEK
RESOLUTE WOMAN 