Created, Shaped & Refined: Clay in the Hands of the Father
- Michelle Stepp
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
“We are clay in the hands of the master potter.”
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)
God existed before the universe, along with everything in the universe, was created. God is uncreated, meaning He has no beginning or end (Revelation 1:8). Before anything came into being, God was there. How amazing is it then that God chose to create us? Not only did He create us, but calls us His own and desires that we should call Him our Father. God created us with intentionality and purpose. He created us in His very image (Genesis 1:27), and when He looked upon all that He had created, He declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
God is both our Father and creator. Acts 17:28 says, “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” Even more than being our creator, He is a sovereign creator. God is in control over everything in the universe, which includes us. Colossians 1:17 says, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
As our creator, God decides what our purpose is. As the Westminster Catechism states, humankind’s chief end is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever." God created us to worship Him and reflect who He is to the world around us. How often do we fight God and try to live out a different purpose for our lives? How often do we worship created things rather than the Creator Himself? Do you find yourself making God’s will for your life more complicated than it actually is? God’s will for us is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3); that we would look increasingly more like Christ each day.
Should you find yourself struggling to find purpose in life, remember who created you: a good Father who is sovereign over all of creation. Do you feel confused or weary as you try to figure out your next steps in life? Rest, knowing God is pleased with you and wants you to worship and enjoy Him. God is not as concerned with the path of our life as we are, as long as that path leads us to glorify Him along the way.
If you are unfamiliar with pottery, I strongly recommend watching a potter at work. Not only is it a relaxing process to watch, but also symbolizes how God created us and continues to shape us. Pottery is messy, and it is delicate but also requires strength. Even after the pottery is finished at the wheel, the process is far from over. The piece needs to be painted, and then put in a kiln to be fired.
We are clay in the hands of the master potter, as Isaiah 64:8 states. God created each of us with a purpose: to know Him and be known by Him. He will continue to shape and refine us until we see Him face to face in glory. We were created to show the world the love of the Father. God’s sovereign hand has also placed each of us within a specific context in which we are to reflect His character to those around us. It is in living out this calling He is glorified and we find our deepest joy.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Monday:
Reflect on the eternal, infinite nature of God. While this is a concept that is beyond our comprehension, it should lead us to worship. We worship a God who has always existed. There was never a time when He did not exist. He is worthy of our love, trust, and worship. Spend intentional time today in prayer and worship.
Go to God: Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and love. Help me to rest in Your sovereignty and trust in Your shaping hand. May I live each day seeking to glorify You and reflect who You are to those around me. Mold me into the image of Christ, and let my life be a vessel for Your glory. Amen.
Tuesday:
Talk to your kids about being made in God’s image and how God created them. For example, you could say, “God made you to worship Him. He loves you, and I love you because God gave you to me. God will continue to shape you to look more and more like Jesus.” You are planting seeds and telling them the truth about their identity and purpose.
Wednesday
Read Romans 9:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:7. Where in your life are you tempted to take control rather than surrender to God’s purpose? How does knowing God holds you in His hands as your Creator and Father bring you comfort today?
Thursday:
Make something with your hands. Try painting, woodworking, pottery etc. You can even do this activity with your kids. Let this time be a reminder that you are clay in the potter’s hands.
Written by Michelle, mom of 1
