GOD LOOKS FOR CLAY
“O house of Israel,
can I not do with you as this potter?”
says the Lord.
“Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand,
so are you in My hand,
O house of Israel!
Jeremiah 18:6
God knows how to bring salvation to your family, your friends, your community, and your world.
He looks for those who will allow Him to shape them into the instruments He requires to do His divine work. Thus, God looks for clay. It is not a noble task, being clay. There is no glamour to it, yet it is the very thing God looks for when carrying out His Will.
The Characteristics of Clay
At times, we excitedly announce to God: “I’ve discovered my strengths and gifts, and now I know how I can best serve You!” At other times, we might say, “I am aware of what my weaknesses are, so I know which tasks I’m not capable of doing for You.” However, statements such as those are not characteristic of clay. Clay has no plans of its own, no aspirations for service, nor reluctance to perform its given task. It is just clay – moldable, pliable, totally submissive to the will of its master.
God Looks For Clay – What It Means
God can mold us into whatever kind of instrument He requires. Consequently, He is not limited to working with our strengths (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God uses holy vessels, so He finds those who will allow Him to remove their impurities. For example, when God’s assignment demands humility, He finds a servant willing to be humbled. When His work requires zeal, He looks for someone He can fill with His Spirit. The examples of how He shapes us into His instruments are endless!
As you pray today, think about what you may have said to God about your capabilities. If your tendency is to tell the Father what you can and cannot do for Him, then today make a new commitment to submit to His agenda. Ask Him to shape you into the person He wants you to be. And thank Him for using you as His instrument! Isn’t it glorious to be God’s clay! Amen.
Source:
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry January 6.
Additional Reading:
Never Too Busy
Counted Faithful