Highlights from Chapter 3
Potter and the Clay
. . . We are the clay, and Thou our potter;
and we all are the work of Thy hand.
—Isaiah 64:8 KJV
When we are going through a relationship crisis, it is so easy to focus on what the other person is doing and how what they are doing is affecting us. However, as long as we focus on the other person, rather than focusing on the Lord, we continue to struggle and never reach the restoration that was meant to be ours.
In this chapter we will learn that God usually does not change the other person (their attitude or behavior) because God is using the things that the other person is doing as the Potter’s wheel while His hands are molding us more into His image, and all the while He is also drawing us closer to Him.
You are in His hand. “‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand . . .’” (Jer. 18:6). Isn’t it comforting to know that you and the other person are in God’s hands? Though your husband may tell you that he doesn’t care, or your son or daughter or boss treat you as if he or she doesn’t care, your Lord does love you ever so deeply. Who else do you really need? And remember this, love—true love never fails. Though they reject your love now, patience, not pursuing will eventually turn their hearts back. Just keep silent, focus on the Lord, and hide your heart deeply inside His.
God’s Prescription
God has a prescription for healing a nation, a family or any relationship. He says if “My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
Only the Humble
If you continue to argue with the other person, you have only proven that you are full of pride. The proud believes that he or she is right, and that the other person is wrong. Taking the full responsibility, not just your part or half, is true humility. Once you take the full blame and responsibility for the conflict, you can then take it to Jesus who has already paid the price!
Only the humble will be exalted. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble” (Luke 1:52).
Humility will be tested. “. . . He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not” (Deut. 8:2).
Humility will save you. “When you are cast down, you will speak with confidence and the humble person He will save” (Job 22:29).
Humility will strengthen your heart. “O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear . . . (Ps. 10:17).
Only the humble will be given the grace that they need. “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.’ Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:6, 10).
There are far too many Christian's who pretend to be spiritual on the outside but are filthy on the inside. There are so many women who look at their husband’s, son’s, or daughter’s sins, yet neglect to look at the log in their own eye. I saw my husband and his sin of adultery; however, no one could see my contentiousness, my deceitfulness, or my spiritual arrogance.
Next, pray. “If . . . My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray . . .” (2 Chron. 7:13–16). “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
Begin by praying Psalm 51:2–4: “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, So that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge.” Then…
Walk in the Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will enable you to walk in the Spirit, freeing us from sin and our fleshly desires. “And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances” (Ezek. 36:27). “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).
Continue to renew your mind and heart. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17).
Spend your time wisely. We are told to pray, to cry out to God, to spend time in intimacy with Him. Don’t neglect what will ultimately change you and your relationship.
Some things I took from this chapter is that I will continue to battle if my focus is on others, my situation or circumstances. I must focus on the Lord and leave my troubles with Him. He is using these situations to bring me closer to Him. He has been making me more aware of my complaints and self-pity by turning them into praise. He considers the way we treat others to be the way we treat Him. So be humble, don’t look at others faults, be a peacemaker and treat each other with love and kindness.