Feet of Clay

Many of God’s people live their lives being limited by others in what they can do for our Lord and King. As well, many people feel ill-equipped and question their ability or worthiness to be used of God.

We find in God’s word that everyone who belongs to God is prepared and equipped to serve Him by God Himself. To help the Prophet Jeremiah understand the power that God has over the lives of His people God sends Jeremiah to observe the potter at his wheel.

After seeing the work of the potter God said to His prophet:

“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand,
so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jer 18:6)

Jeremiah now understands that God is the one who designs and creates who we are in His service.

We find the importance of the potter’s work in this verse about the kingdom of Judea:

“These were potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.” 1 Chronicles 4:23

Who and what we allow to have an impact on our lives is important. This passage of scripture names many of the people that Hezekiah, king of Judah, allowed to not only be in his life but to have influence in his kingdom.

Among the men and women who were named; we find the potters. The men who were able to conquer clay were as important as the men who waged war and helped and advised the King as he made kingdom decisions.

The potters were skilled at making common useful items or elaborate vessels fit for the presence of the King using common dirt. This very same dirt that would trouble the warriors as they forged the streams was the very same ingredient that was used by the potters to create something fit to be in the court of the King.

It is often the case with God, the things that held little regard by men is what God uses to build His Kingdom. The scripture states:

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to confound the things which are mighty. (1 Co 1:27)

The words “foolish things” is built on the word that is understood as a hidden thing or a secret or mystery. King David, who was called the friend of God, said to God:

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” (Psa 139:2)

People are only able to make their judgments of other people's importance and abilities by what they see in the limited time they know you but God is able to see what He has “hidden” in your heart and mind.

Do not let people limit your ability or desire to be used by God. What other people think they know about you does not matter. When you arrive at the place and time that is appointed for your service to God He will release your ability to be of service to both Him and His Kingdom. Why can you be assured of this very fact? You can be sure of this because “afar off” God has seen into your future and has guided your life in where you are “downsitting” and “uprising.”

Live in faith and follow after God and His ways and He will give you the life experience you will need to be fit for His use.