Learning to persevere

"So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."

Jeremiah 18: 3-4

Full circle (or not) I think to myself as I take some time off on a whim to re-read my archived blog posts and understand why it is that I chose to be cookie dough. 

It's been such a journey, it really has, both in my spiritual life and the physical years that seemed to have just flown by in the blink of an eye. Life has changed in so many ways, seasons come and gone, relationships grown closer or apart, but it has always been....good, as He has promised.

"But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands..."

Rendered less perfect, yes, those initial years of discovering my First Love were easy, those years you first taste of His goodness, when a small encounter bears tremendous joy and passion, basking in every little 'moment' with Him - I envy those who are still in their first years discovering the Word and Spirit, they are a must, much like how we continue to need those seemingly 'small' encouters as we mature.

As the due course of maturing takes place, I have definitely seen the 'marring' and the instances where I have been 'rendered less perfect' - and they were painful, some more than most - but I've also recognized (at the most poignant of times) that that process is never meant to stop right there in that instance of imperfection and brokenness (and its meant to happen many times in our journey here on this side of heaven). That God in His infinite wisdom not only restores but makes 'all things new' - yes, all things new. I admit this phrase has been used widely in recent years (like a phrase to be said to show you've been listening to the most contemporary worship songs or podcasts) but I believe it is for a purpose, for a season, and today, it holds that deeper meaning for me.

"....so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."

Today I realize that I have been reformed over and over again through every circusmtance, season and challenge I've encountered, and recognize that the reshaping is done by Him who knows me best, who loves me most, and with whom I am most secure. And having this assurance, sets my heart at peace.

So as the wave of change sets upon me again this season, and its about beginning, I'm already ahead of the curve because I'm anchored by this revelation that the fruit from this 'marring' season will be sweet and it will make me better than I am today, than I was before. However little or much that is, and I hope it will be to the benefit of and blessing to those around me, for His Kingdom.

I will persevere. I know now that I am learning, have always been and always will be, learning to persevere.

If you're reading this my dear friend, don't be afraid or anxious of whats to come. If you are, be assured that it is our Father who works the wheel, and no one else. So step into your new season with faith knowing He holds you and He is shaping you as seems best to Him - that new pot (you) will be good and perfect (for this season, until the next!).

Thank you, Lord, for your Word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path - and You always, always keep it straight.

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