The Potter and the Clay is an analogy in the Bible about God and the relationship between Him and us. One instance of it is found in Romans 9:20-21, and says, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?”
Just like the clay, we’re not in a position to complain to our Maker about the way he made and continues to shape us, or his methods of doing so. After all, the clay has no idea of the Potter’s intentions. It won’t know if the Potter is making it into a cup, jar, or something more complicated, like an encasement for a 200 year old toilet bowl.
It’s easy for us to wonder why God lets us go through pain and suffering as we struggle through tough times in life. I’ve often asked “Why, God, is this happening to me?” Admittedly, it is probably my fault, but other times, and for many people, there is no immediate answer.
All things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), and we have to trust that in time, we will see God’s plan in our lives and how He used those difficult moments for good.
Picture the Potter, gently molding the clay, but sometimes using sharp tools to carve out a design, and putting the clay through multiple firings in a kiln (oven) until it becomes solid and complete, just as He intended.