Lumps of clay

“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” Romans 9:20-22 NIV

Have you ever wondered why God put so dang many people on earth? I kind of wonder sometimes. I know the bible says that God wants everyone to love Him. It says that He has a great deal of patience while waiting for as many as possible to seek Him. Why did He not just stop at 1 million people? My computer tells me that there are 7.9 billion people on earth. God has a far greater capacity to love than I can imagine, and He loves every single one of us.

But why is life so difficult sometimes? When people die we mourn them, even if we know they had a relationship with Jesus. We like to call them “Celebrations of Life”, but we cry at every one of them. If they are going to heaven, there is not a better alternative. We like to think we know what heaven is like, but the bible tells us that “…no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind can conceive the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV. That means that even if I think I know – I don’t. It is not just a better version of here. God has far more beauty than our minds can grasp. I believe that. But I miss people.

This week we are going to lay to rest one of Gods best creations, Darrell McGinnis. In nine days we are going to mark the 11 year death anniversary of our daughter Jordyn. Eleven freaking years. My calendar is sort of filling up with death anniversaries. Sometimes I get tired from it, but God has a greater capacity to give rest than sleep alone.

I have been wondering all day what words would come out of me tonight. I try not to plan it too much. But I realized that I have absolutely nothing to add to it. God is enough. Darrell created art for most of his nearly 90 year life. Why did he not run out of beautiful things to make? His capacity was greater than my understanding. Why did Jordyn’s mere 16 year life impact more people than mine will even if I live to see 100. God has a greater capacity to utilize than I can understand.

The devotional my wife and I read this morning described being weak as depending on Him to get us through the day. We develop a greater ability to rely on Him when we get to the end of our understanding or strength. God wants us to depend on Him and things we face here can point us in His direction. God has a greater ability to guide than I do.

So why all the people? Just like Darrell had a greater capacity to make beautiful things than I can imagine, God has a greater capacity to make works of art than we can come close to understanding. We are all wonderfully different, perfect works of art. Sometimes He puts us out front so people can see what He has made. Sometimes He puts us in the back because He wants to highlight a different collection. Sometimes He takes a special creation home, to His private collection so He can enjoy them there. We do not get to go there until He decides, but make no mistake, you are Gods workmanship. You too will get to go home someday.

Do you look at yourself as God’s workmanship?

Even if you do not, do you realize that God looks at you as His workmanship?

Challenge: Be at peace, whether He has you on display or hidden away for now. He is the potter, we are just lumps of clay in His hands. Let Him work.

Rick Claiborn