Thursday, September 28, 2006

Stone or Clay?

Which of these materials could become a bowl?:

Clay or Stone?









Maybe I should ask which of these could more easily be made into a bowl, because you are correct. They BOTH could be shaped into bowls.









The thing is the process of becoming a bowl is so much easier on the clay because it is yielding, malleable, pliable, willing. The stone can become a bowl but it's going to be a much tougher process on the bowl. Tougher on the one forming it as well. Instead of warm, gentle hands in direct contact with the bowl as it's being formed it will be hard, sharp, tools chipping away at the stone. Still, it must be done gently else the bowl will break. It's going to be difficult. Sparks will fly.










Are you clay in the Father's hands? Or stone? Do you need to be more willing to let the Father have His way in your life?

Are you trying to shape one of His children entrusted to your care?
Are they more like clay? Or stone?
If they are a stone, be careful. You want to make a bowl; not shatter the stone.
If they are clay, don't overlook them. You want to make a bowl; not a hardened, unformed lump of clay.

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.
Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD,
Nor remember iniquity forever;
Behold, look now, all of us are Your people.
Isaiah 64:8-9

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this. I needed it. I've been reading, struggling through Job. Feeling guilty that my life hasn't had trials and tribulations and yet my brother couldn't hit hardly any worse than he is now. I know it's choices, and where we are as far as walking with the Lord too....I am glad the Father is gentle with the stone b/c that's whaty my little brother is being right now and I don't want him to break!

Anonymous said...

Pretty awesome Cindee. Thanks for the devotional moment.