I’m still pondering Jeremiah 18:1-6. (from my last post)
Like clay in the potter’s hands, our children remain in God’s hands. Wherever they are, He’s there. And He’s always at work in them, shaping them through the influence of other people, circumstances, and us.
Has anyone ever tried to change you? How well did that go?
Our job is not to change our children into who we want them to be. Our role is to love them, point them to Christ, and participate with God as He works His perfect plan in and for them.
Have you ever tried to control this process? I have.
Since they were little, I’ve wanted each of our kids to have a special friend. There’s nothing wrong with this desire; only, God’s plan for developing their character may include seasons where there is no friend.
As our family has moved to different cities, our children have changed schools 4 times, each time beginning the friend process all over again. Not fun. We’ve spent many an afternoon and weekend together. I knew they missed old friends or just wanted someone to hang out with—besides Terrell, me, or a sibling. I prayed and prayed.
Isaiah 45.9 challenges, “Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?'” I know the right answer, but honestly, sometimes I wondered what God was up to, because my desire or my plan made so much sense!
Eventually, I would vent my frustration to God. Then I would begin to recall the truths about WHO God is: He is sovereign; He is always at work; He is faithful.
The years of moving and adjusting have taken a toll on our kids, but God has given great blessings, too. A big one is the relationships within our family, because we spent so much time together. It wasn’t perfect, but God grew strong bonds among us. Most importantly, each child learned that one Friend is always with them.
There is no way I could have made these things happen. I am so grateful to God for His ways.
I’m glad He’s the Potter and I’m just clay.
Anonymous says
Teresa- this is just what I needed to read today! The kids start a new school Monday (Hudson starts kindergarten)and I worry how it will go since he has yet to make a new friend in Florence. I know it will be much different than the 1st day of kindergarten I had pictured for him at All Saints with all his preschool buddies. I know this is part of God's plan for our children and our family, but I needed to be reminded of that. Thanks so much! Jen Akers
Ellen Loomis says
I needed to read that Word today! God knows what we need when we need it! I have a daughter at this very moment wondering why she doesn't have a friend to 'hang out' with… just me! Well, God is the potter and He is molding away! Praise God!