Turning

Then I went down to the potter's house, according to the word of the LORD, and, behold, he was doing work on the wheel. And the vessel which he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he mixed the clay and made it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. (Jer. 18:3-5)

There are many lessons to be learned from Jeremiah's vision of the potter's house. What it speaks to me today is of "turning." As the potter works his work on the wheel, he spins it around and around, molding and shaping the pot into what he wants it to be. At times, the pot may not be shaped correctly and the potter will collapse the clay and then rebuild it again to suit his design. Throughout this process the pot is continuously spinning on the wheel.

This is how the Lord often works on us. If we get headed off in the wrong direction, He will spin us around until we are once again facing down the path He wants. We may also find ourselves having to repeatedly deal with the same problem. Maybe it is a matter of finance, or health, or some material desire. Other times we face the same spiritual challenge again and again. We are forced to go around and around until we eventually overcome that problem. Then, and only then, are we prepared to move onto the next level of understanding.

This can be a frustrating experience at times. It seems like we aren't getting anywhere. We get dizzy and confused, thinking we are not in the Lord's will. It can lead to despair even. But, remember that this is how the Lord works. This constant turning is due to His desire that we turn around right and are built up correctly according to His plan. Take heart, for if you ever stop "turning" it probably means the Lord has decided this pot is no good and has cast it aside. As long as we are being forced to change and grow and develop, it means the Lord is still working in us with His undying love and forbearance.