In the Potter’s Hands

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘He did not make me’? Can the pot say to the potter, ‘He knows nothing’?” (Isaiah 29:16)
      “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
      Passage: Romans 8:28-29

       Clay can be formed by a skilled potter into anything from a beautiful piece of porcelain art for display or a ceramic bowl or cup that is available for daily use. However, the process requires the clay that is formed to be heated in a kiln. Depending on what is made, the heat will range anywhere from 1700-2700 degrees. In the same way, gold that is mined has to go through a refining process to remove the impurities. That process requires it to be melted which takes at least 1948 degrees.
      All of us have had relationships that have hurt us. You may have grown up in a dysfunctional or abusive family. You may have had a close friend turn away and hurt you deeply. Joseph had a dysfunctional family, and his brothers sold him into slavery. Jesus was betrayed, denied and abandoned by friends. God knows every hurt and He can use everything trial you’ve had to be a testimony of His grace and power if you realize He is the potter and you are the clay. Be grateful for His work in you, even through hurting times. They have shaped you to be used today.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)