I did an internship in Washington D.C. the summer before my junior year in college. The job was good enough; I coordinated summer camp logistics for kids interested in politics. Yes, it was as nerdy as you’re imagining, and yes, I was a former attendee. But the best thing about that summer wasn’t licking envelopes and herding hormones. It was meeting a new group of friends at church.
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the town of Stars Hollow from the TV show Gilmore Girls, but those quirky, fictional characters had nothing on my new, real-life friends. Despite the fact that I was a stranger in town and only planning to stay for eight weeks, they grafted me in, constantly hounding me to join them for weekend adventures of camping, floating down rivers, or taking long motorcycle rides through the Shenandoah Valley. It was as dreamy as it sounds, and it was healing for my soul in many, many ways.
We talked about the gospel, too, and one of those conversations led to the topic of the providence of God. The candor of the conversation shocked me. Who talks about this stuff anyway? And what does the providence of God even mean?
I was kindly pointed to today’s passage in Romans, and from there one friend explained the idea that God is sovereign. At face value, the concept of a God who is in control might seem offensive. We don’t like to believe that Someone else has the final say. When Paul asks in Romans 9:20, “Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”, I want to scream, “Yes! That’s what my prayers to God sound like on a regular basis!” But from my perspective, when I take Romans 9 to heart, we have to concede that God is ultimately the one in control.
In the years since my dream summer in D.C., I’ve learned a lot about faith. I’ve read much more of the Bible. I’ve spent countless hours with Jesus. And despite all that, God’s providence is as mysterious to me now as it was then. But Scripture teaches that our God is a loving God with a purpose for me.
I look at the seasons, coming and going in their time. I look at the ocean waves, which know their boundaries. I look at my face in the mirror—imperfect, yes, but a masterpiece in the Master’s hands. I look at the miracle of life itself—particularly in a world bent on death. None of it is a mistake. This beauty is His creation.
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48 thoughts on "Objects of Mercy"
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Coming from a major fan, even going to fan festivals and meeting cast members and hanging out with them, I loved the Gilmore girls reference :)
I love that God is in control but I always wonder why he made me like this. May He mold me to be what He wants me to be.
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Thank you, all of you She’s for your comments on todays reading. They are beautiful, powerful and moving. I pray that we are all able to remember that He is the potter, and we can trust what He is making of us.
She’s – I have written down each prayer request, and prayed for each as I came to it. I know God is with each situation and knows the longing of each heart.
LIBBY K – I appreciate your comments. I’m especially moved by, “You cannot even begin to make anything until your clay is perfectly centered.” Center me, Lord, in You.”
COLLEEN DEVEAU – Thank you for the beautiful prayer. I’ve printed it so I can see it, and make it the prayer of my heart too. “May we trust that You know best.”
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I read this passage of scripture twice, and I read all the commentary, but nothing really stood out to me. However, today I finished the Beth Moore book, “All My Knotted Up Life”, and at the end, in looking back on her life and how it played out to God’s glory, she says this:
“What God is this who can keep a secret so long? What God is this, so unhurried to prove himself? So confident of his own spotless character that he is unpressured by all the second-guessing of his own children?”
I think this sums up what Paul is trying to tell me here in Romans 9.
Good book, by the way, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
Thank you all, for prayers for my family. My mom is still in the hospital, still waiting to find out if this is her cancer back for good or an infection. But she’s reaching out to God, for the first time in YEARS. I pray this continues and she feels gods presence. My husband had a more stable day today. We’re taking things one day at a time. I am trying to be present, finding joy in the midst of uncertainty, and not just waiting to be on the other side of all this…good word to focus on Gods providence today!
I’m getting “double Paul”, this week. I’m reading with all of you and my Christian camp meeting this week is studying Paul. What is interesting is we all come from different faith backgrounds and share the different nuances of our Bibles.
Thy will be done my Lord Jesus!
Just had to hop on here and tell MARI V the HAPPIEST first day of work! You will be such a blessing to the KK teacher and kiddos you are matched up with this year!
Today I met my 25 precious third graders and their families at Open House. I’m praying for wide open hands and a big open heart as we build our classroom family this year. We are not without some challenges in the room but pray that God overflows me with compassion and patience.
And ladies who have faithfully been praying for my feet…they are holding up! It feels miraculous! Thank you and keep praying! Kids start on Thursday!
I really struggle with accepting and trusting God with who I am and the way he made me, and the struggle has continued as I’ve been beginning to transition into college. prayers needed!!! but anyhoo, every time I read that but “But who are you, o man, to answer back to God” and the “why have you made me like this?” part I’m always convicted and I always think of Job. I have seen Gods power first hand, but when God questions Job is a strong reminder of Gods intentionality. Still trying to learn what these mean in my deepest heart and believe them
Thank you for those who have been praying for me and my husband’s recovery. We are mostly better. My husband ended isolation yesterday and went back to work; today is my last day at home and I go back to work tomorrow after being out for 2 weeks. This isolation time has been brutal. I don’t say that for pity at all, but it reminds me that alone can be a dangerous place when we don’t stay plugged in and abide in Him. ❤️ I am nervous to go back to work, and yet I want to get on with my life. INDIANA ELAINE, thank you so much for your comment and prayer last Friday for the SRT sisters who are experiencing anxiety, sickness, etc. It really spoke to me and I feel it was God’s way of reminding me that He sees me. ❤️ Thank you all who have been praying as well. I read through your requests and reflections and am so grateful to all of you for sharing, uplifting one another, and providing prayer and support. ❤️❤️ Praying for you all, for blessings, healing, encouragement and provision. ❤️
Thank you SEARCHING for mentioning my children in prayer.
VICTORIA E, thank you for praying for the salvation of my children and grandchildren, and all others who are. I appreciate that so much.
I just want to hop back here to share something fascinating I found relating to today’s reading, regarding God’s method of calling Jeremiah to the pottery shop to demonstrate a concept. Studies show that after 72 hours, people generally remember about 10% of what they hear, 20% of what the read, and 50% of what they see & hear, and about 90% of what they teach to others. This is the retention of knowledge and information. The human brain process visual cues better rather than the written language. Incredible! So when God says, go to the nations and TEACH them all things that I told you to observe, it’s for the retention of our knowledge. Glory be to Him.
Hello she’s, I hope you are doing well.
Praise be to Our God this day. This is the day the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it. The process of pottery making has been very captivating for me, strangely therapeutic to watch. And the fact that God called one of His prophets to go down to a pottery shop so He would speak is so interesting. God is the same way with us. He demonstrates and illustrates when He speaks. I love how interactive God is! The spoiled clay needs to be re-worked into the finer shapes. The hand of the maker can never let go until it is done. What more can we say to this, other than pouring out our praise to Him? He will not forsake the work of His own hands. (The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8). Thank you so much ladies for your prayers. There was a shift in our home atmosphere and in my husband’s total demeanor and emotional state yesterday. Your prayers and God’s presence were felt to transform and heal my husband’s mind and temper, and I am so thankful. The Lord is never too far. Blessed be the one who is flexible and yielding to the will of the Master and His molding hand. Father Lord God, let your will be done, and not my will. Thank you Lord. Give me the grace to yield and be molded into the image of my Saviour. Help me to forsake my will. What a wonderful privilege and honor you have given me, chances to be molded by YOU through circumstances and situations. I am becoming You. Glory be to You Lord, forever and always! Amen!
@MICHELLE PATIRE: thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. I can’t describe how much that touched me.
@SEARCHING: thank you so much! Praying along your dedicated prayer list over our she’s and their specific needs. Praise God for your faithfulness.
@HEIDI: praying for rest on your household. Amen to what you wrote today. Love it.
@CANDACE SMITH: may your burdens be lifted, and rest come. May you cultivate and build trust with the Lord, so you have peace in letting go, knowing you won’t fall.
@RACHEL FROM TEXAS: praying for a good report for the biopsy, calmness and strength.
@ALEIDA: thinking of you today and your trip to California (not sure when) to find your son. Prayers for your family. Hugs.
@DOROTHY: thinking of you, praying over your days, job, your peace and well-being.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Praying over all requests!
Instead of “why did you make me like this” Lord I ask that my cry out is “use this to glorify you”. Michelle that is a beautiful poem- thanks for sharing!
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
I think sometimes God has shaped us for a certain purpose but as our life goes on He reshapes us for a different purpose. That is when we have to trust Him, be still, and let Him do His work in us.
I was feeling a lot yesterday. Let’s just put it that way. Then, I was reminded that I should have joy. I thought of the Scripture: 1Thesalonians 5:8 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
He is Holy, Sovereign, and good! I ask God please for give me for not living like this! How long am I going to keep this up? May I finally actually get this! May we all who need to actually get this! I’ve been worrying since I was a child. Even recently I was so upset about something and playing out a disastrous scenario that didn’t happen. I do pray, but may I leave this with Him knowing His in in control.
@Kelly Neo Amen! We would not even be able to be vessels of mercy if it weren’t for our Savior!
@Colleen D. Amen! Yes! So many reasons to thank Him for the things His done and for who He is!
Amen Heidi and Annie! Heidi, I heard of a new book coming out called, Knowing the Spirit. I too don’t understand everything about the Holy Spirit. I love all that you said He does! Amazing!
Deanna, I too pray for the lost and those in leadership or that have a platform that they would have an encounter with Jesus that can’t be stopped. In His mercy, May they please be drawn to conviction, repentance, and salvation. May they care more about what God thinks than men and May laws and statutes change to be based on what’s pleasing to God. May they hate what God hates and love what God loves and speak boldly for Him and His kingdom! May the Kingdom be the Pearl of Great price as Jesus talked about in Matthew 13:45-46. May they forever be changed! Amen!
Praying as I go through! I am supposed to meet my friends. I’ve tried to talk to them about God before. Please pray for this time together. Thank you!
MICHELLE PATIRE, Thank you for sharing your poem! Your writing is just beautiful, and so descriptive of the creative process of our Lord. It was a blessing to me!
I studied Romans recently with my ladies Bible study and this section opened up a lot of discussion. In the end, we concluded that even though we don’t fully understand it, do we trust God or not to be good? Because if you believe in your heart that God is good and has your best interest in mind, then it doesn’t matter if you understand everything. I want to have that kind of Power controlling things in the World. Because let’s be honest, Man is not good. If we allow Man to have power over the World, watch out, because if anyone saw The Sound of Freedom….yeah, that is the depravity of Man, right there. And it is not good, it is ugly. Man apart from God thinks of all kinds of evil. And then convinces himself that IT IS GOOD! What a mixed up world we live in!
Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”
This verse hit me hard because of the situation I am dealing with my daughter and her trans partner. Man does not get to tell God that He made a mistake in forming us, in creating us. It is a lie straight from Satan.
@Searching, @Denise Morgan, @Cee Gee, and others- thank you so much for your prayers. :)
I trust God is at work, though I don’t yet see it all. May God bless all you prayerful Shes.
Spinning swiftly, on the wheel.
Pressured hands of a maker, molding movement.
My body carved with caution, concern.
Trimming tactfully, on the wheel.
My vessel, finds form, shaped in sequence.
Permitting both periods of pressure, regimens in release.
Pulling patiently, on the wheel.
Cold and dizzy, I spin, stretched and thinned.
In firm embrace, the artist keeps me centered.
I wobble and worry, yet still, I am anchored.
I wonder, do I trust this potter to make me shine?
To cast me to kiln, in darkness, to be defined?
Who am I to doubt, that the artist pays no mind?
He, my maker, witness to all of my mechanics,
How may I grieve and believe He is just too blind?
Forced, I forfeit these feelings of fear and disbelief,
Surrendered to shadows, in His furnace, I’m made meek.
Examining excellently, on the wheel.
I am re-purposed, sculpted from same, solid substance.
A treasure, now, so carefully crafted and consecrated.
I am preciously perfected and displayed as “one-of a kind.”
Positioned safely, in the house of a Kingdom, most holy, divine.
A reminder to all, it is not the clay, alone, that serves purpose,
but the artist, Himself, whom without, a vase but vacuous, unrefined.
“Potter & Clay”
A piece I wrote a few years ago after an older sister in Christ gifted me a piece of art when she returned back to NY after visiting her home country of Romania. She was a huge blessing in my walk with Jesus as a young Christian. I wrote this when I was younger in faith and really discovering how to surrender all to Christ. There is a follow up of this poem – psalmsandstories. Tumblr. Com (@psalmsandstories)
Sometimes, when I’m seeking answers and praying asking God what’s my next step or I’m concerned about the decision I need to make or did I make the right decision and even more so when it comes to my children, I am reminded that God is in control. Recently, my friend, Gretchen and I were praying about a situation, when we remembered: GOD already knows. HE’s the one that tells the ocean how far it can come to shore. And we “sigh” with relief. The answer to our prayers may not be as we perceived, or maybe not even what we wanted, but we want what God wants more. Happy Tuesday sweet She’s. TODAY, is my first day, officially as a paraprofessional. I have training the rest of this week school starts Tuesday, August 8. I’m so excited about this new position! I’m so excited to start a brand new chapter in my life. I’m so blessed the Lord placed me with kindergartners. They are my favorite. I love to watch their expressions on their faces when they’re learning something new. prayers are appreciated that this old brain of mine would expand and learn new things and be ready to come along side, the kindergarten teacher to help her and whatever she needs me to do.
LIBBY— thank you for giving us a little insight into pottery. As you explain it, it is indeed a very cool illustration of God’s work in our lives.
I don’t always see myself as a masterpiece but as an introvert and someone who enjoys people watching…God has shown me the beauty in others.
Points for me to focus on mostly came from the Eph. verses…
-He works all out according to HIS perfect will (not mine) and for HIS glory (not mine)
-I am SEALED. with the Holy Spirit… something sealed by God Himself cannot be undone, by me or anyone else.
-The Holy Spirit (a person I have yet to really fully understand despite intentional study of…) is beyond anything I could hope to possess and it’s not even the “main event”! It’s the DOWN PAYMENT of what is to come that is so great our minds can’t even grasp the greatness in store for us as Believers…
Being sealed with the Holy Spirit is probably the greatest gift we could imagine… Jesus himself said it’s better to have it this way, than to have Jesus here with us, because it empowers US with the power of God in all things at all times in all places with all people/situations. It cannot be removed. I have the power to love the unlovable, forgive evil, demonstrate grace to the undeserving, refuse temptations from my enemy… on and on it goes. If we truly exercised the power that we possess, this world would turn on a dime. I mean imagine someone being wrongfully sued and stepping into court with the statement, “hey – I totally forgive you for what you are trying to do to me and if you ever need anything I sincerely hope you’ll reach out and let me know how I can help you.” — ??? Could you imagine knowing your coworker is intentionally speaking ill of you in attempts to damage your reputation and you start bringing her coffee each morning with a genuine “I hope you have a great morning” and choosing to talk her up to others when given the chance?? Now imagine those people take your kindness and use it for their own gain and leave you hurt, used, and taken advantage of and you still continue to have concern and pray for them. THAT is the power of the Holy Spirit. THAT is the power of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, resurrection. It becomes easy to forget that he ALSO willingly, lovingly died for every soul that would do nothing but continue to use him and take advantage of him, NEVER appreciating or wanting HIM, but just what he could do for them. That’s the Divine Empowerment that changes the world. Fact is, when we have full trust in our God, His plans, His goals, we have nothing to lose. We are free to genuinely love the “unlovable” because WHY NOT? What can man do to us? When my hope and trust and future are TRULY centered in Him alone, my heart is finally free to love without fear and hope without disappointment.
Have missed ya’ll – I have allowed summer-schedules to take my study time lately. I am desperately in need of rest. Like – SLEEP! ;) Ryan and I have potentially been given a new ministry opportunity (will share more when I really know more) and since then there has been this presence of absolute darkness trying to rob us of rest. I do NOT use that descriptor lightly either – I won’t go into all of it but there has been significant warfare present. It’s nuts. We are praying for strength, rest, continued leadership into where He wants us, and wisdom in how we respond.
Hoping for a great day for all the She’s out there :)
Praying @Candace Smith and @Rachel from Texas!
Thank you, Claire, for highlighting today’s reading is centered on God’s providence (as well as other sections of Romans). Reading about this topic is insightful and helpful in my understanding of what Paul is conveying here.
Lord God, You alone are in control and work all things in accordance with Your will. Help me to trust in You fully – You have a higher plan than I can ever imagine or comprehend. I find my comfort in You.
Have a blessed day fellow Shes!
“God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.””
Romans 9:33 NLT
Please pray for me, i have taken on too any thing(but their all good things). Please pray for others to come along beside me and lift some of the burdens.
This is such a beautiful passage today. I’ve constantly criticized myself for not being “enough.” How dare I throw God’s provenance and creation back in His face like that? How ungrateful am I?
Lord God, ultimate Creator…build my faith, forgive my doubt. In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you ladies for your thoughts and comments – @Libby K- that will certainly stick in my mind now, thanks for sharing!
My first thoughts went to the old hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” – “Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” I would add – “While I am waiting – help me to be yielded and still!” Because my tendency is to be very impatient!
Why do I question God? What right have I to do that? He is the one who formed me from dust! My prayer for myself and each of my SRT sisters…Father God, help me and my sisters to wait – yielded and still. To trust that You know what You’re doing, even when we don’t. Being “remade”, will not always be easy and sweet, it may be very painful and long. but You are God and we are not so help us to trust You and to surrender our all to You in every circumstance and situation. Give us grace, extend Your mercy – In Jesus Name, Amen.
Praying for each of your requests as I read them. Please continue to pray for my sister Arian and her situation – she is no closer to finding a place npw than she was before. Trusting God has a plan – although it has been REALLY rough in the waiting!
Happy Tuesday!
@kelly (neo) yes & amen. Reminds me, my 4 & 2 year old have learned the phrase “not faaaair!” from the beloved Bluey…. Womp Womp :/ I am doing my best to remind them they don’t understand what that means, and life isn’t always fair and that God rules and He has given us all things and we are actually VERY blessed. Good lesson for me too…
I have been a long time SRT reader (probably consistently since 2012 – I took last year off to do the Bible recap) but I rarely comment. I would so love your prayers – I had my first mammogram last Friday (I’m only 34) & they found a cyst which they’ll biopsy in a few weeks. Pray it is absolutely nothing! With my family history I have just this lingering weighty feeling this is just how my life is going to be (but I know that’s not completely true – it doesn’t have to be!)
@Kelly (NEO) – EXACTLY! I’ve read this scripture so many times and think “Yep, that’s me. The one with the audacity to complain to the Great Potter. Every. Darn. Time.
Jer 16:7-8 really impacted me. I pray daily for my country to turn away from evil, and I fear the path that we are on.
“Return every one from his evil way and amend your ways and your deeds.” – Jeremiah 18:11b
I started learning the art of pottery this year and it has shown me in such a in-depth way about why God uses the potter as in illustration on more than one occasion. You cannot even begin to make anything until your clay is perfectly centered. I think about that and how He’s constantly trying to center me on Him. Then you have to keep the object centered or it isn’t symmetrical or completely collapses. It’s just a really cool illustration.
The beautiful mysteries of the purposes of God – too complicated for my mind to comprehend. The SRT podcast for this week is wonderful – reminding us of Phil 4;7 – the peace of God that also passes understanding. You are amazing Father God!
“…For You are the Potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me; this is what I pray. Change my heart, O God; make it ever true. Change my heart, O God; may I be like You.” May we trust that You’ve made us as You have intended us to be. May we trust that You know best. May we trust the purpose You have for us. Change our hearts to be like Yours. Help us long for what You long for. Thank You for Your sovereignty, Lord. Help us to understand that we may never fully understand, but may we be grateful for the grace that You have extended toward us. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us and comfort us. Thank You for never leaving us alone. Thank You that Your Spirit is closer than the air that we breathe and is in that breath that You gave us at the beginning. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
KELLY (NEO) Beautiful.
Trust & Faith – essential to our relationship with God.
Praying for –
MERCY ❤️ you and your husband/his relationship with the Lord
TRICIA C – you and your children
LYNNELLE MURRAY – son
MICHELLE PATIRE – the ins and outs of living with your family. So many of your sisters here are praying for you! especially for wisdom and guidance ❤️
JESSICA MARSEE – healing for your family and dad’s alcoholism
LIBBY K – children
MELANIE – family members
LYNNE FROM AL, NANCY S, LINDA IN NC – wisdom, strength and patience for each day ❤️
AUDREY PHALEN – such wisdom in yesterday’s comment, thank you
HOLLY – thank you for your testimony of faith and answered prayers
All together, now, “But that’s not fair!” I’m assuming, of course, this is everyone’s heart cry after reading this Romans passage.
My mind responds with “was it ‘fair’ for the perfect sinless Son to be tortured, humiliated, and murdered?” No, but He was so that it was even possible to become an “object of mercy.”
Can I trust the Potter with His perspective on the clay?
Can I focus on being humbly grateful that I have found mercy, grace, forgiveness, and redemption in Jesus my Savior?
Lord, have mercy on those I love. My they be vessels of honor too.
Praying for your requests.
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As a retired nurse I can tell you I never got over the miracle of birth. Our God is awesome!