Beautiful Lord, wonderful SaviorI know for sure, all of my days are held in Your handsCrafted into Your perfect planYou gently call me, into Your presenceGuiding me by, Your Holy SpiritTeach me dear Lord to live all of my lifeThrough Your eyesI'm captured by Your Holy calling, set me apartI know You're drawing me to Yourself, lead me Lord I prayTake me, mold me, use me, fill meI give my life to the Potter's HandsHold me, guide me, lead me, walk beside meI give my life to the Potter's Hands
(you can hear the song at this link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kn6PIQvF-A or go to youtube and search for The Potter's Hands - it's by Hillsong.)
Today was the youth led service at church. The above is a song that we closed with called "The Potter's Hands." Karen sang it, it was beautiful! The service was based around the Potter and the Clay. One of the youth gave a "recent" testimony about what he was dealing with in his life as a teen and on the baseball team. Then Karen spoke a little about pottery and how the potter molds the clay and smashes it and molds then smashes, etc until it's the way they want it. She gave that example to show what God does with us. She then opened the mic to those who had gone through "moldings" recently to share with everyone, several got up and shared different stories. She encouraged those of us who don't like to speak in front of people to share with someone else...so here's my story...
When I was working at my last job, there were times I was not as close to God as I should have been...which I'm sure most have been at in their life at one point or another. I'd get back on track then get out of the "habit" and be back at square one again. When I least expected it, God granted me this new job. Now all new jobs are usually better because it's new and different from the last and no stress from day one! GREAT! Praise God! I prepared myself for the stress I had been through previously and the boss I didn't want to have again...intimidating, rude, etc. I still find myself expecting the same reactions and such from my immediate supervisor and boss and in the end realize, they are nothing like my previous employer! I am able to have conversations with people that are Christians about the church service and those that aren't, still enjoy the conversation. I shine of God's love as I greet the clients with a smile (in my eyes at least) and make some of their days by just doing that. Most of our clients have depression and their families are either not there for them or have caused their problems. So to have that when they come see the therapist or the doctor just gives them slight hope for the day. (I've had a few tell me that...which then makes my day.) Friday as I was driving I was listening to Air One (Christian radio station) and I heard a song I haven't heard in years...a line from it is "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love." And I thought, God has given me that to show to our clients and everyone I come in contact with. Since I have gotten this new job I have gotten things on track (again) and there aren't many days I grumble and such as I go into work and I am hardly in a bad mood at work. I do not have that stress and my (minor) health problems I did have, are gone. Praise God! But as I look back, I see how God has formed me...and I smile! That gives me more encouragement!
Thank you Jesus for all you have given us...even that which we do not deserve! Thank you for molding me how YOU wanted me and kept me as your child, even when I should have been "cut loose!" I pray you will continue to mold me into bigger and better things as I out grow the current mold.
Feel free to share a story of how God molded you recently or anytime in your life. I have several stories but shall end here. :) If not with me, at least with your spouse or a friend that may need encouragement...never know when your story will mean more to someone else then you can imagine!
