FOODFORTHOUGHT

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the
potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8


I recently went for a back massage to help relieve some terrible pain
that was caused by a muscle strain. As I lay on the table, the
masseuse worked hard to knead my back, straining as she placed her
strong elbows into the very crux where the pain originated. She held
her elbow for what felt like hours, into the core of a muscle that
was tight and searing in pain.


Then, I heard her say "let me know if the pressure is too much or too
little?" Although I felt my face tighten and my toes curling from the
burning in my tendons, I uttered, "the pressure is great, you can
even go a little harder if you'd like." What? Am, I crazy? Here I
was, my head spinning wondering how much more I can take, and yet, I
just gave her permission to press even harder. I must be out of my
mind! But, I was vulnerable and knew I had to trust her and that the
work she had begun would lead to a greater good: to be relieved of
the pain I was suffering.


As she continued to squeeze, push and pull, my body got used to the
pressure and it started to feel good. The healing had begun. The
precious blood flowing inside my veins was starting to make the sore
spot well. It had released the tension and allowed me to breathe
easier. Then she placed a generous amount of warm oil over my whole
back and gently worked it into my exhausted and sore flesh. The oil
felt so good and soothing. It was as if the knots in my back were
being released and untied one by one, gently and purposely.


I was reminded of the picture of the potter in God's Holy Word. We
know that we start out as nothing more than a worthless lump of clay
in the Almighty Potter's hands. But, by His mercy and grace, we are
formed into beautiful and precious vessels made to serve and honor
our King. And by this grace, we allow the Potter to touch places that
hurt so much; places you don't ever want touched. As we let God work
the pain, work the knots, work the pride, work the disobedience, it
can only lead to restoration and healing. The Potter must get into
the deep-rooted places that hurt the most. He will continue to hold
you close and pour His living water and oil over and into you. He
will wash away the pain and agony until He is satisfied that it is
complete. Then He stops the potter's wheel from spinning and tenderly
guides you on to the continued path of righteousness that He has set
before you.


It is then, and only then, that the reveal of the work of the
Potter's hand is made known. How wonderful it is to be a continual
creation of our master's hand- a marvel of workmanship in His eyes.


Remember, the next time God places you on His own Potter's wheel- lay
back and enjoy the ride. it's worth every precious moment!

PRAYER
"Lord, your love never fails. Increase my faith and confidence in your saving word, make my hope in your promises strong and unwavering, and inflame my heart with consuming love for you and with kindness and mercy for my neighbor."

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