Quiet Moments With God -- Yield

I have a stubborn nature. It's caused me trouble over the years, but walking with the Lord for thirty-six years, has dimished some of my willfulness. I am grateful.

Sometimes to bring about change a sharp edge is required and pain follows a necessary reprimand. And then there are times when I feel like pliable clay in a potter's hands. I love those times when change comes gently.

However, change is not always pleasant as is demonstrated in Jeremiah 18:5-6 But the jar he (speaking of the potter) was working on did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the Lord gave me this message. O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand."

I definitely do not like the crushing part of this verse, but oh how I love the starting over part. A new beginning that is carried out by God Himself.Knowing that one is molded by the master we can trust the results. We can become just who God longs for us to be.

Sometimes we fight against helping hands that mold and shape us. In my book, "Touching the Clouds" my hero, Paul tries to save a raven whose leg is broken. The bird fights him, beating the air and struggling to escape Paul's gentle hands. All the bird knows is that he wants freedom, which means he must escape. He has no inkling that his present situation is dire and that without the help of one who cares he will die. And so he fights. That's just like us. We want what we want, when we want it, the way we want it and we have no vision or understanding of the possibilities available through the transforming hands of the Lord. And so we fight.

God has so much more for us. And, yes, sometimes we must be crushed. I've been crushed and I don't like it, but transformation and a new beginning follows. And although while living in this world I will remain imperfect The Potter will continue to renew me.

Rest in the Potters hands. His touch is like no other. Be ready to be molded. Be expectant about who you will become. It may take a good deal of molding, but the pot created will be new and better and it will reflect the Father's glory.

Praise Him for loving us enough to mold us.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God--Timing

Have you ever had an experience when something you wanted or hoped for occurred at exactly the perfect time? Something that was just what you needed when you needed it? I love those moments. I suppose some are coincidental, but there are times when I'm certain God's laid a blessing upon me.

I experienced just such a moment this morning. I've been carrying a heavy burden, unnecessarily. Finally I did what I should have done weeks ago. After church I sought out a dear friend I know to be a prayer warrior and shared my heaviness of heart with her. Less than twenty-four hours later God shone His light on the core of the problem--the reason I've remained burdened for so long. He knew exactly what I needed to hear.

While in The Word, God met with me. He loves to spend time with His children. :-)

God doesn't mince words. He was clear and to the point. I now know what I need to do. The Lord isn't going to do it for me, but His love and strength will make me able. Relying on Him opens doors for transformation.

To become who He wants us to be we must take every thought captive. Our imaginations, desires and worries can get the better of us when we allow them to rule our lives. They ensnare us and we lose sight of God--lose confidence in His perfect plan.

We can overcome and unburden ourselves by trusting the Creator, the one who placed the stars in the heavens. He is our strength. Set our minds upon Him. He will transform our lives and we will walk in freedom and confidence.

Praising God for His goodness.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie