The Process of Yielding to the Potter’s Hands

Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, played a pivotal role in Judah’s history. God chose Jeremiah to deliver an unpopular and challenging message of impending doom to the children of Judah due to their persistent sin and lack of repentance. This message was not well-received, and Jeremiah faced immense opposition and persecution.

Despite this, his love for God’s people and desire to speak God’s word remained like a “fire shut up in [his] bones” (Jeremiah 20:9). Jeremiah carried a heavy burden, knowing that he was responsible for bringing forth a sobering message to meet Judah’s unrepentance and turn their attention back to God.

Throughout his prophetic ministry Jeremiah was shown revelations of God’s sovereignty and love, lessons that continue to give us hope today. One such lesson was found at the potter’s house, let’s read the context of this story here in Jeremiah 18:2-6:

2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

The Potter’s Hands

In the passage above, God instructs Jeremiah to go down to a potter’s house. There the prophet sees the potter reshaping a marred vessel, a powerful metaphor for God’s relationship with the marred and broken people of Judah (and us today). Just as the potter has authority over the clay, God as the ultimate Potter, shapes and molds us according to His will and purposes. 

The marred vessel, though initially flawed, once in the hands of the Potter, is given new form and purpose. This teaches us that God can transform our brokenness into something beautiful and useful. Understanding this concept can be challenging. We often struggle with the idea of surrendering control and allowing God to mold us in the ways HE sees fit. However, recognizing His authority and trusting in His plan allows us to embrace the changes He brings into our lives.

Yielding to His Perfect Timing

One of the more difficult (yet profound) lessons we learn from the potter’s house is the importance of the potter’s timing. The potter takes his time molding the clay, ensuring that it is shaped perfectly. This process is not instantaneous, and it requires patience and precision. Similarly, God’s timing in our lives is perfect, even when it seems slow or delayed.

We often have hopes and dreams that we pray for, expecting immediate answers. However, God knows the perfect time for everything and refines us day by day and brings us what we need when we need it. It’s a gradual (and daily) process, but one that ultimately leads us to fulfill our God-given potential.

Trusting in the Potter’s Hands

Making sense of God’s plan can be difficult, especially when we face trials and uncertainties. However, trusting in the Potter’s hands means believing that He knows what is best for us. Becoming a vessel fit for His use is a process of refinement and surrender. It involves letting go of our own desires and ambitions, and embracing the path God has set before us. It’s about trusting that His hands are gentle and loving, even when the process is challenging. Through this trust, we discover our true identity and purpose in Him.

It’s important to remember that in the refining process God is not looking to destroy us; rather with this process He is taking great care of us. The refining and shaping and molding we experience in the Potter’s hands are not meant to harm us, but to form us into who we are meant to be in Christ. These processes are often uncomfortable and challenging, but they are expressions of His love and care. They help us grow, develop, and become more like Him.

Conclusion

Embracing the process of yielding to God is a journey of faith and trust. It involves recognizing His sovereignty, trusting His timing, and surrendering to His hands. As we do so, we begin to see ourselves as His masterpiece, uniquely crafted for His purposes. Our lives become a testament to His love and creativity, reflecting His image and glory.

In this journey, we learn to trust in His love, knowing that He is shaping us for something greater. We are not alone in this process; God is with us every step of the way, guiding and nurturing us. By embracing His work in our lives, we discover the joy and fulfillment of living as His beloved children, created for His glory and purpose.

Learn more about this process, and Jeremiah’s revelation of this encounter, in Chapter 20 of my book: “Unlocking the Miraculous.”