But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. — 1 Peter 5:10
Not long ago, my son and I were walking around a store that created pottery. He was fascinated by how the dirt and mud became a beautiful cup, plate, mug, or bowl. The person had just finished crafting cups that would be fired and sold in the store in a few days. He explained how he formed the pieces and the process of going from ugly to beautiful.
I couldn’t help but laugh as my son looked confused. At eight years old, it is very difficult to understand how something that looks like mud would turn into a beautiful cup. The worker continued to try and explain the process to him and how each piece was unique. Then he made a statement that really stuck out in my mind.
He said, “it cannot look beautiful until it has been through the fire.” The worker was only talking about the pottery that he was creating. Little did he know the amazing thought and the challenge that he had shared!
Each and every one of us is unique. We are all different, with different challenges, different circumstances, and different experiences in life. Yet, we all have one unique thing about us. We will never be the beautiful vessel that God wants us to be until we have been through the fire of life.
God has a design and purpose for each of us. It’s to be a vessel used by Him for His glory and honor. But we can never be that beautiful vessel until we have been put through the fire. Maybe you find yourself discouraged and downhearted from the trials you face. Don’t give up. Realize that God has you in the fire and is creating something beautiful in your life.
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