We Are the Clay

Why do we run from pain? What makes us want to avoid suffering so much? Even experts tell us that we should aviod that which causes us hurt. We think it is unhealthy to be put in situations that make our ugliness come out.

But that ugliness is who we really are. When someone says something to us and a flash of anger runs across our face or changes our composure and words fly out of our mouth like darts something very profound is happening in us. Who we are in our core is seeping out. And we seep out like that because of the incredible pressure we are under.

But why should we avoid such unhealthiness? This is life! It is at these moments, when we can bear no more, that our God is lovingly molding us. He is molding us to be who He wants us to be.

But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. - Isaiah 64:8 (NASB)

Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker--An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' - Isaiah 45:9 (NASB)

In Season and Out of Season

Sometimes we need to be strongly confronted. Strong words are best when coming from the Lord.

We had been facing discouragement. We have several groups under our care and with so many people to care for we felt that we weren't influencing anyone. Our work had become a bit burdensome. But God, who is always merciful, intervened.

There is a striking passage is 2 Timothy 4 where Paul is giving instructions to Timothy. Paul tells him to preach the word always, reprove, rebuke, and exhort. He also talks about things that can be a discouragement. Then, in verses 5-8 he says the following: "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

This was exactly what I needed to hear. Discouragement is inevitable as are a great many other things. But we have work to do. There are people waiting to hear the Good News. Paul later goes on to describe many extremely difficult situations he had been facing, but he had held fast, he had kept the faith, and he had endured hardship. May we be found as faithful in the work the Lord has given us to do. Please pray for us and for all believers in these areas!