Broken.
The pot was broken into little pieces. No one had an idea what to do, but it was clear that it could never be put back together again. It was broken too decisively. No craftsman or expert potter would be able to put that together again. Perhaps it would be better to just dispose of the pieces and look for another one.
Someone suggested however that they would take the pieces, perhaps they would serve for some other use even if they couldn’t be utilised for a pot any longer. The person who took the pieces was able to get the pieces melted to a state where they were pliable again. Under those conditions he sought to shape it into a new vessel. Eventually he was able to mould a saucer and set it ready for use. No one even knew that it was the same material that was the pot previously. They were just happy to appreciate the way the saucer complimented the other parts of the tea-set.
There is a song that is sung in some circles requesting the Spirit of God to fall fresh on them. The lyric includes an allowance for breaking, melting, moulding and filling. It got me thinking recently about why, as a vessel for the Lord, we would go through a season of breaking – why not just go through a season of thorough cleansing. It occurred to me, though, as I was thinking about that, even looking at my own life as well as the life of others, that it’s not always about being used as the same vessel in every situation.
There have been seasons in my life where I’ve been strategically located in an area and to be of use to those around me, I needed to go through a breaking process. Being set in a shape can often get me thinking that’s who I am and that’s all there is to it. I can get somewhat presumptuous and arrogant as to tell the Potter what I am and what I can do. I establish my limits and parameters and expect others to just accept that. What His gracious breaking process does in my life, though, is to humble me and remind me of who is in the best position to know what I’m capable of.
Being utilised and functioning in different ways in different places is also the opportunity to see what God really has made in me. It’s one thing to live in a culture where others are quick to get their dreams and goals met and be tunnel visioned on that. It’s an amazing experience to be led by the Creator to discover more and more His purposes in and through me with others. That is an amazing experience – it is not a painless experience at all – not painless at all. Definitely worthwhile as a reminder, however, of how things work better leaving things in the Potter’s hands rather than thinking we know best.
It’s also hope for those seasons when you feel broken.
(Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 