Prayer Week 8: Vessels of Clay

The Bible talks about us as vessels, utensils used by God and for God. We are tools used in the work of the Gospel. We commonly think of ourselves in that respect, as a useful tool for God’s work. However, we don’t often think of ourselves as being gradually made and fashioned into that vessel. It is easier to picture ourselves as being ready-made, store bought if you will.

 

Psalm 100:3 New American Standard Bible 1995

Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Isaiah 64:8 New American Standard Bible 1995

But now, O Lord, You are our Father,
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Ephesians 2:10 New American Standard Bible 1995

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

 

God made us. I believe that is generally accepted. What is not commonly thought about is the fact that God is still making us. We are not done yet. Everything we read in the Bible, every time we study, hear a sermon, pray, worship, and commune with God helps to mold us into His likeness. Even spending time with godly people will also do that “as iron sharpens iron.” Every exposure to the things of God helps to shape us into a godly image. Conversely, every exposure to the world shapes us into the world’s image, so there is a constant reshaping, tug of war going on, usually without our knowledge.

 

We need to be aware of what we are exposed to, of what is shaping us. Even “Christians” can have a worldly influence on us if they are not living a godly life. Sometimes those are the most dangerous because we assume they are safe and let down our guard. We need to always be on the watch, discerning what is godly and what is not so that we can correct the wrong ideas before they influence us. However, the most important thing we can do is to seek time with God Himself. All humans will have some form of worldliness inside them. But time with God…that is pure and powerful!

 

As you pray this week practice being pliable. Instead of telling God what you want Him to do for you, surrender yourself to His work. Ask Him to mold you into His image. Allow Him to shape your desires until they are like His. Realize that each situation is part of His plan to shape you: your thoughts, character, desires and attitudes. See what kind of masterpiece He can create!

Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.