Do you feel like life is out of control at times?  It can be especially stressful when when the circumstances are beyond our control.  We start to wonder if anyone is in control.  The prophet Jeremiah experienced an especially difficult ministry and God gave him a picture of His sovereignty,

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you.”  Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel.  But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.  (Jeremiah 18:1-4)

Jeremiah saw the potter fashioning the clay into the vessel that he wanted and then God gave Jeremiah the application for the nation of Israel,

Then the word of the Lord came to me saying,  “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.  (Jeremiah 18:5-6)

The Apostle Paul alludes to this metaphor in his letter to the Romans,

On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it?  Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?  (Romans 9:20-21)

It is a great relief to know that He is God and I am not – He is the potter and I am the clay.  The sovereignty of God is one of the most comforting and encouraging doctrines in the Bible.  God is never surprised, nor are His plans frustrated,

The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,  (Isaiah 14:24)

Since God is in control, there is no need for me to be stressed out over life.  It’s comforting to know that I am responsible for the depth of my ministry and I can rest knowing that God is responsible for the breadth of my ministry.  That takes the pressure off me knowing that God is in control of the circumstances I face.

The patriarch Joseph faced incredible challenges, being sold into slavery by his brothers, being falsely accused even when he acted righteously, and being forgotten in a dungeon.  Yet he was faithful to God and he could look back on all of the adversity he faced and exclaim,

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.  (Genesis 50:20)

What a great perspective!  Joseph was able to put the pain and suffering behind him because he was able to see God’s greater plan.  We see that challenging circumstances are can be opportunities for our growth and enable us to take courage in life.  How is God molding you?  It may be painful at times, but God has a plan.

Take comfort in knowing that God is all knowing and all powerful – rest in His sovereignty,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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