I think for many the idea of surrendering to a higher power often seems foreign and daunting. American “exceptionalism” tries to teach us to be self-reliant, independent, and in control of our destinies. This mindset often leads people to struggle with accepting the providence of God and yielding their will to His divine guidance.
The Bible beautifully illustrates God’s relationship with His creation as that of a potter and his clay (Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6). This analogy offers profound insights into the nature of our Creator and our role as His creations.
God Made All Things:
Just as a potter crafts vessels from clay, God fashioned the world (Hebrews 11:3; Genesis 1:1). The notion of eternal, mindless matter evolving over billions of years is debunked, emphasizing God’s purposeful design in creation.
The Sovereignty of God:
These passages highlight that God, as the Creator, has absolute control over His creation (Psalm 24:1). His authority and power supersede any human rebellion. In Revelation 4:8, He is described as the Almighty.
The Lord Rules the Nations:
Jeremiah emphasizes God’s sovereign control over nations (Jeremiah 18:1-10), a truth echoed throughout the Scriptures. This control extends to the world’s governments, just as a potter molds clay (Daniel 4:17,25,32; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Acts 17:26; Deuteronomy 32:8).
The Will of Man Must Yield to the Sovereignty of God:
Man must learn to accept God’s providence without complaint. Jesus followed the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39), Moses submitted to it (Deuteronomy 3:23-26), and Paul embraced it (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). We all face challenging circumstances in education, employment, finances, or health. Instead of blaming the past, we should accept these as part of God’s providence and work toward self-improvement.
To yield to the will of God, we must recognize His sovereignty in our lives. This surrender should encompass various aspects of our existence, including:
Language: Our words should reflect God’s grace (Ephesians 4:29).
Giving: Our generosity should align with His will (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6).
Worship: Regular attendance at worship services is an act of obedience (Hebrews 10:25).
Priorities: Placing the Lord’s work above personal desires (Matthew 6:33).
One of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian is aligning our will with the Lord’s (Romans 6:13,16,19). It’s a daily battle, a continuous struggle over who will be the lord of our lives – ourselves or God. Actual submission to King Jesus requires yielding to His lordship.
So, what does it mean to yield ourselves as clay in the Potter’s hand? It means acknowledging God’s sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. Surrendering to His will, accepting His providence, and conforming our actions to His guidance. It’s not just a theological concept but a practical way of living that brings us closer to the divine purpose for which we were created. In yielding ourselves as clay in the Potter’s hand, we find true freedom, purpose, and a profound sense of fulfillment in our faith journey.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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