Ravages of Irene

Life in New England is settling back to normal after the ravaging effects of Hurricane Irene. We lost power and water for six days, phone and internet service, threw out the contents of our refrigerator and chest freezer, and used buckets to fill with water at nearby locations in order to flush toilets and take sponge baths every morning before leaving for work. I work at a doctor’s office so there is no such thing as closing; they merely relocated our office staff to another location that had power to see patients. The hardest thing for me was once night fell and I was at the mercy of two candles and a flashlight for the evening; what else could I do but read?

I came face to face with how much I rely on electricity, water and the internet on a daily basis. It was hard to have it all gone in a stormy blast. I also realized how little water I can actually get by with using. Thankfully we have a small propane stove we used to heat water and a couple of meals till the food spoiled. I literally needed to survive day to day with what we had. We didn’t go without. Our needs were met; maybe not our wants, but we had food for each meal, water to drink and wash, and I read by candlelight in the evening until my eyes watered from the strain.

This whole experience made me more aware and more thankful for what I have. And, brought to life Matthew 7:31-32 that says, “Do not be anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’…for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

When our power was restored, I cried out in thankful relief to the One who provided my every need. He is Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider. Whether in the midst of a real storm like Hurricane Irene or the storms of life that come upon us with the same devastation—He is there every moment of everyday.

What are you anxious about today? How is He your Jehovah-Jireh?

Thinking of you this week,

Jeanne

The Potter and the Clay

 

I am intrigued by pottery classes. I remember doing a bit of pinch pottery when I was a kid and may have dabbled a little with pottery thrown on the wheel during art class in high school, but that was before I knew what God said about the potter and the clay. Now I’d love to take a pottery class as a hands-on experience, to better understand His words.

In order for a potter to create useful vessels, they choose clay that’s been taken from the mire and remove the stones and impurities. Once it’s washed and the air bubbles are worked out the potter centers the clay on the wheel. As the wheel spins, water is applied so the clay remains pliable, responding to the potter’s strong and gentle touch. Soon a vessel of the potter’s design takes shape by the consistent pressure of their hands and motion of the wheel.

This metaphor of the Master Potter is beautiful to me because I was taken from the mire and washed by the blood of the Lamb. The Potter has had my image in mind since before I was born and He began to shape me into a useful vessel in the likeness of Christ. He knows just what is needed because He knows me and understands my strengths and weaknesses. I am in process of becoming what He has in mind—beautiful.

The Potter’s hands are trustworthy. They are strong yet gentle and know just the right amount of pressure to be applied for the clay to yield. He applies water liberally—the water of His Word; it softens so the clay is pliable.

I am studying a book entitled, Soul Shaping by Stephen W. Smith. I am enthralled by my Master Potter and His touch on the clay of my life. I will post my discoveries in hope they will encourage you as well.

“Only our God can transform our clay. He places us on the whirling wheel, leans over, and shapes us. We bring ourselves to the Potter, but we can’t control the work of His hands. It’s our part to trust His process and to relax in His hands so we’re pliable and responsive.”

                                ~ Smith, Stephen W., Soul Shaping, pg 66, ©2011 David C. Cook

Yielding to the Potter isn’t easy. But as I grow in my trust of Him, I realize He only wants what is good for me so I am learning to relax a little. Jeremiah 29:11 says He has a plan for my life, not for harm, but for a future and a hope. His plan is perfect and He envisions my completed vessel and works to coax my clay to respond to His gentle touch.

Have you ever taken a pottery class? What images can you relate to how God is forming you?

Be blessed as you yield,

Jeanne