Earthen Vessels

I have a collection of Williamsburg Pottery that I love because of the cobalt blue design.  I use the mugs for my morning coffee, 

the pitchers for iced tea and water, 

the vases for flowers in season, 

the jars to hold utensils, 

and the candlestick holder for candlelight. 

It occurred to me that God not only uses His earthen vessels--us--to provide nourishment and refreshment (the mugs and pitchers) to his creation but also to embody such things as beauty (the vase for flowers), skills (the jar for utensils), and truth (the candleholder for light).  We each have a purpose for our lives.  Some of us may have more than one purpose.  I use my pitchers to hold flowers sometimes.  The smaller jars have held sugar or butter when needed.   The candleholder, however, has only one purpose--to provide light.  It could be merely decorative like the flower vase, if I never choose to light the candle,  but it won't have fulfilled its real purpose.  


Whatever type of vessel God has made us to be or shown us what other ways in which we can serve Him, we must be as clay in His Hands so that His glory may be seen.  We mustn't refuse to be all He has designed us to be.


Father, may I lay aside the fears that keep me from realizing all that You mean for me to be.


Link to scripture:  2 Corinthians 4:7