Before uttering these words, Jesus had once again told His disciples that He would first suffer and then be leaving them soon. Although they were saddened by the news, they did not understand it.

In the same way, we also are sometimes saddened by news and events that occur in our lives. It could be the death of a loved one, news of cancer or some other disease, world news, etc., but the truth is that Jesus’ reply to their sadness still can help today.

He told them the things in this verse so that even when they do face tribulation or persecution, or possibly even death, that they can still have inner peace in the face of it. Even more than that, He told them that it is possible you could also “be of good cheer” in those times.

In other words, you do not need to be defeated by events or circumstances, even though there may be anguish and pain involved. God wants His born-again children to be overcomers, and He gives them the grace and power to do so. Faith in His promises enables victory.

Are you utilizing His grace and power now so that – at the end of the day – you are an overcomer? If you need to, why not admit your weakness and ask Him for help right now?

Here are some more things seen in this passage about the clay and the potter.

1. The Vessels Are Made from the Same Clay – The Potter starts out with the same basic material each time. It has very little worth in its raw form. This speaks of each believer – we are nothing and can do nothing apart from Him. He alone gives us value and it is best seen when we let Him do His work in us.

2. The Vessels Must Be Made to Yield to His Hands – Sometimes, the clay may resist the potter’s intentions. It may be a little hard and dry. When this is the case, He must mar it first – break the spirit until it yields. Spiritually, it will hurt (possibly physically, too – if there is continual resistance to His work in your life) but He always works with great love and has our ultimate good in mind. It is our job to let Him have His way with us – because it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.”

3. The Vessels Stay on the Wheel as Long as the Potter Wants – He is not in a hurry. Our God will take the necessary time to finish His product to conform us to be like Christ. The more His will is resisted, the longer it will spend on the wheel and the more pressure the Potter must use.

Are you on the Potter’s wheel now? The more you trust and yield to His desires, the less pressure He must use. Ask Him for grace, thank Him for His work on you, and let Him have His way with you.

Lesson’s from the Potter’s House (Pt. 1)