Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands?’ Woe to the one who says to a father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to a mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question Me about my children, or give Me orders about the work of My hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it.” Isaiah 45:9-12

The Potter

I watched a short video of someone chiseling a piece of marble until it became a face. The sculptor worked with amazing accuracy, patience, dedication and precise attention to every detail. When I thought it was perfect and beautiful, the creator continued with diligent intention to chisel and file until he saw come forth out of this piece of marble what hehad planned!

When asked what he was creating, Michelangelo replied, “I am simply chipping away everything that is not elephant.” We must allow the Lord, our Creator, to chip away everything that is not Jesus.

Although I am not a sculptor or painter, I can relate as a writer. It is slow, time-consuming and painstaking. Careful thought and much patience are required to create and transfer into words what is in the heart and mind. Words do not come easily to some of us, while others have a wonderful gift of words. Editing can be painful as you have to chip away words that are not part of your planned message.

Whether creating a sculpture, a painting, or writing, we need the cooperation of the marble, canvas or computer. Recently, I saw a post that said, “Quit trying to steal the pen! Trust the Author!”

God, as the Author of our story, must chip away at everything that is not Jesus in our lives. The Artistic Creator that is working on you continues to chisel, chip, and file until He sees the “you” He planned from long ago. We may not understand or appreciate what the Lord is doing, but we must trust His wisdom to chip away until He sees the beauty of Jesus.

Forgive us Lord, Creator, for questioning or giving You orders about the work of Your hands. You are the Potter, we are Your clay. Help us not ask You why, or tell You what You should or should not do with Your children.”