You Are a Great Lump of Clay!
Each one of us, in a way, is a lump of clay in God's hands. Isaiah 64:8 reads, "God, you are our Father, we are the clay, You are the potter, we are all the work of Your hands." God created us in the very beginning and continues to be "hands on" in our relationship. We also see God's handy work and ability to mold and remold us in Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20.
I have felt God’s presence in my life and the molding that took place during WWII in England, Canada, Bermuda, back to London and then to Orange, Texas in 1946. The doctor with whom I had to speak before we left England (in order to get permission to come to America) said I would be an asthmatic unable to work and, thus, be a ward of the state. God remolded me in my health so that I was able to play football, basketball and sprint in track .So much for the doctor's opinion. And I have been working since I was 14.
As I reflect on this turn around, I think of Psalm 40:2, "He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay and set my feet on good footing." And I have been moving forward ever since.
When I was in the Cadet Corps at Texas A&M, I could see myself in a military career, but God had something else in mind. So, I went to law school with an eye on politics, but was remolded again. I moved to Austin and started a supply business in Austin and San Antonio with my father and brother. After several years, my lump of clay was remolded again. I was called to the ministry and, after seminary, was ordained in 1977.
I think each of us, as we look back over our lives, can see the times we have been molded and/or remolded into our life and faith.
My faith took shape as a camper at Camp Allen (Trinity Bay) and in Sunday School and High School EYC. Later, experiences as an adult Sunday School teacher and youth group sponsor continued the process. Now I know the people who taught and worked with me, molding me, were the real gift.
So, enjoy being what Our Lord has molded you to be because you are a very special and unique creation, and offer to Our Lord and His work your special gifts, time and treasure.
If you have an issue with the molding you received, read Romans 9:20-21 and remember that God is not through with you yet!
May Our Lord bless and keep safe this day. Amen.
