Potter in Charge

People come in different shapes and sizes. This is true spiritually as well as physically. Some people have prominent positions, flourishing ministries, and seemingly easy lives. Others serve silently, experience setbacks, and are plagued by suffering.

It is God who determines the shape of each person's life. He shapes the believer according to the specific purposes He intends for that believer to accomplish. A Christian is unable to choose either his purpose or his shape.

When someone does protest, God remonstrates, "You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, that what is made would say to its maker, 'He did not make me'; or what is formed say to him who formed it, 'He has no understanding'?" (Isaiah 29:16).

Indeed, God does know what He is doing. He doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't blunder in His design. The believer who patiently and humbly allows himself to be molded by God, accepting the shape and style that God determines, is prepared to serve God according to His purposes.

Much will happen in the coming year that will contribute to the molding process. Some of it will be welcome and pleasant. Some will be difficult and demanding. Some will be painful and crushing. All of it will contribute to God's work of shaping.

May we determine in this year to submit to God's design. May we yield to His processes so that we are adequately prepared for what He wants us to do. Let us give the Potter freedom to do exactly as He wishes.