I remember when I discovered how wonderful it was to be in the hands of the Potter, looking forward with newness what my Lord had in store. It was not long after my salvation and obedience to follow my Lord in baptism that I was met with disappointment. I was faced with a trial that was to encourage me to grow closer to my Lord but I refused.
It was the death of a dear missionary friend. He and his precious family were on their way to the mission field of East Timor, an area we prayed about. We were excited that they were going and often I wondered if God would have us work with them in the future.
But God had other plans and our friend died within a month of going to the hospital to find out what was going on. We ended up taking care of their children during that month and they became very much a part of our family.
I remember the funeral it was held on an icy cold Texas day. I thought it appropriate for that is how I thought God felt towards me. But the fact was that is how I felt towards my precious Lord.
Regardless, I am so thankful that our Lord is ever faithful even when we refuse to be comforted. He waits and works in our lives.
In my case it took 10 years of living a mediocre, lukewarm Christian life, filled with frustration because I knew God wanted more out of my life. My Lord wanted my complete surrender to him. To accept His choices that were for my good and for His glory.
“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” Jeremiah 18:14
Marred For the Glory of God
Marred in the hands of the potter,
Marred in the hands of a loving one.
He takes responsibility,
And makes me all over again.
Oh how the days,
Began sweetly,
A love out-poured,
I had not known before,
A hope in my heart,
That had now grown,
Jesus Christ was mine,
Jesus Christ my all.
Then disappointments came,
And discouragement reigned.
I did not understand,
The choices that God made.
His will I did not comprehend,
My heart began to question,
Doubts surrounded me,
From my Lord I would flee.
I would not hear,
I did not want to know,
My heart was so grieved,
How can death bring any joy?
My questions ran wild,
My mind did not understand.
How can God love me,
And let this heartbreak be?
I ran so far,
As in a desert place,
Though my Lord,
Was ever present with me.
Loneliness became my solitude,
It is there I heard his tender voice,
“You are still in my hands dear child,
I am willing to make you a vessel of honor.
Marred in the hands of the potter,
Marred in the hands of a loving one.
Praise His holy name,
He takes responsibility,
And makes me all over again.
Yes, he makes me all over again.
~Ann Marie Moore (June 16, 2014)
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