The Potter's Plan: Designed and Made at the Hands of the Maker

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our nation has greatly benefited from your stance against racism and your daring to dream differently. Knowing that the cost would be great, you continued to allow your dream to be preached—a dream of a greater, more unified society to change our nation for the better. We join together to celebrate the life of a civil rights activist and thank our Heavenly Father for giving us a willing and resounding vessel to stand for what is right, and for words that still stand almost 60 years later. It takes a willing and obedient vessel to make this kind of stance and to be a sign to the generations—to stand for what is right and take a stand against injustice.

Have you ever been in a board meeting, or been privy to a conversation among decision-makers and counselors while making their plans? Visionary people give guidance and plan initiatives concerning major projects or events. Most of all, these plans begin with specific thoughts and strategic thinking. This is an important aspect of understanding faith—that God has already thought out His purposes concerning the framework of our faith and, spiritually speaking, the details of our lives. He has designed and purposed His plan for our enjoyment or our readjustment.

Before we read the popular passage of Scripture about how God thinks toward us in Jeremiah 29:11, we see in Jeremiah 18:1–17 how God tells Jeremiah, a young prophet to the nation of Israel, His plan and intent as a potter—to shape and mold the clay, just as He shapes us through intentional design or redesign. In 2 Timothy 2:20–22, Timothy talks about these same vessels.

2 Timothy 2:20–22 (AMP)

[20] Now in a large house there are not only vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common).

[21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

[22] Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Just as in the Old Testament God used Moses to lay out two choices—blessing or cursing—He told them to choose blessing! In the New Testament, we are blessed through renewed life in Christ, the cornerstone of our faith (Ephesians 1:3). We still must desire the newness of the Spirit and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5; Ephesians 4). We have to be reminded!

Jeremiah 29:11–13 (CSB)

[11] For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

[12] You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

[13] You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

God's thoughts toward us are like those of an artist or designer, making a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that shows the wide range and depth of His ability and capability. The key passage comes from Job in the Old Testament, where he tries to understand his plight in life. Over 42 chapters, we are introduced to a righteous, rich, and respected man whom God allows to go through a year of turmoil. However, the greater blessing came in the aftermath—after his repentance, he received restoration (Job 42:10–17).

Key Takeaways

1. Know the thoughts God thinks toward you! Just as the potter shapes the clay, God has a purpose for molding us in certain ways—always intended for our good, even when there are challenges or problems we face.

Jeremiah 29:11

2. He wants vessels of honor. The designs of God’s vessels are designated for honor and for special use. With God as our Maker, He intends for our lives to point toward Him and His plan—founded and finished in Christ Jesus.

   2 Timothy 2:21

3. God is versatile, and He will make your latter end exceedingly great! Our lives may not look the same, but the Author and Finisher of our faith is the Writer. He will get the credit, and He has established for all to see that in every trial and every plight, we must look to Jesus. Job is a type of vessel that represents righteous living—not boastful living, but a caring, humble life that honors God.

Other Scriptures to Study

Job 42:12; Hebrews 12:2