However you are heading into this fall semester, don’t forget that you are in the Potter's hands. He will be using every mishap to shape us “as he sees fit.” Every single movement at the Potter’s wheel has intention. The pressure, squeezing, and smoothing of bumps are all part of our sanctification, or becoming more like Jesus as new creations in Christ. No problem or failure surprises Him, we just need to trust the Potter’s artful process.

We can also rest in the fact that he holds us in his hands. We are not in control, so we need to take the pressure off ourselves. As we focus on God’s character and sovereignty, our anxiety will fade into his hands. He is the potter and we are the clay.

We don’t get to decide what sort of vessel he is shaping us into, for what purpose, or how others perceive the messy process, but we do get to decide what sort of clay we will be. We can be moldable and humble or stiff and stubborn. If we abide in Christ, we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him we can do nothing in our own strength. (John 15:5)

Rest in the Potter’s hands, dear friends. Whatever God has called you to this fall, it is his ministry, not yours. We are simply asked to be faithful stewards who are moldable in his hands. When you feel the anxiety creeping in, stand on his word, and trust in his plan.

“I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭

Laura DiLeonardi

Laura DiLeonardi is the founder of Agape Moms, a national network of missional communities for mothers that launched in 2016. Since early 2022, she’s served as the Director of Community at The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN where she oversees Life Groups, the Women’s Ministry and where she planted her third Agape Moms chapter. Laura is a writer, speaker and mobilizer for women of all ages to live on mission for Jesus in their everyday lives. She is married to her Moody Bible Institute sweetheart, Matt since 2009 and they have three kids, Jack, Selah and Lucy, and two fur babies, Bear and Lady. In her free time she enjoys hiking with the family, running, and good conversation over a cup of coffee. Laura's passion is seeing lives continually transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In The Potter's Hand