A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Bible Verse
“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.'” — Jeremiah 18:1-6 NIV
Reflection
On the beautiful Soque river in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia sits an old grist mill that has been turned into a store that creates and sells pottery. Entering Mark of the Potter with a group of friends, I was greeted with an amazing assortment of art from the potter’s wheel. Most of the pottery was functional, some was ornamental, and other pieces were just downright fun to gaze upon. Potters used their hands to create each unique piece of art.
There were shelves of mugs that looked identical on the surface. My friend picked up a mug and felt the marks the potter’s hands had left on the mug. I then realized that each mug is uniquely formed, just like we are in the hands of God. Just as the potter leaves hand prints on each mug, so does God leave His hand print on each one of us.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Your living Word says You never leave me nor forsake me. This truth comes to life when I realize Your hands have left an imprint, as You formed me, on my life that can be felt. Help me, Lord, to see all the ways You have uniquely formed me and to use the gifts You have given me for Your glory. Lord, resurrect in me a skill You have given me to share with the world. I invite You, Lord, to help me explore this talent today. Thank You, Lord, for the unique ways You have given me to express this gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Thought for the Day
Take one action today toward exploring a gift or talent God has given you and share it with someone close to you.
Copyright © 2020, 2022 by Karen Castleberry
Enjoy this song as you reflect on how God has created you uniquely and how much He loves you:
“The Potter’s Hand” by Hillsong Worship (This link will open a new window in YouTube.)
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Karen Castleberry is a Missionary of Prayer. She lives with her husband, Gary, and 2 dogs, in a little cottage nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia. Their son, Jeremiah, lives and works nearby. Karen loves reading, writing, photography, knitting, and all things creative. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with Jesus, her family and friends.
