For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29–30 (NIV)

My husband’s Aunt Elan is a skilled potter. Her home showcases many pieces of pottery in various shapes and sizes. She gave us the four in the pictures here. Aunt Elan carefully plans every piece. She makes detailed drawings before she starts to mold a vessel. She decides the shape and size, the colors, and the designs. No two are exactly alike.

Our Potter’s Planned Design

Likewise, our Master Potter has a specific design for each of us. Before God made any of us, He knew us and He planned our lives.

Consider the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah when the Lord set him apart for His purpose:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV

King David also recognized that the Lord knew him and planned his days, as recorded in Psalm 139.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well….Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13–14, 16 NKJV

The Potter’s Purpose

God’s purpose is to craft us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28–30). Like a potter molding a beautiful vase, God’s Holy Spirit will transform us, conforming us into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit is within the believer, showing us the truth, reminding us of Jesus’ teachings. He helps us become more like Jesus as we yield to God’s leading. In Christ Jesus we are made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

We are unique. God makes us according to His purpose. Nothing is wasted, for He uses even our trials and failures to mold us. He calls us, and He justifies us. His design for each of us is perfect, and He will make us into His masterpieces.

It amazes me that the Lord uses me in ways He does. I was a quiet person and I trembled as I gave speeches in class in high school. He gives me boldness to teach children. He equipped me to guide women in learning to pray Scripture over their children in Moms in Prayer groups. God has used my health issues to help me be a comfort to others. Now He has me learning how to rest in Him. I’m a slow learner in that discipline. I rely on myself far too often. God is my patient Potter. He molds me at just the right speed. He assures me that He will finish what He started in me, as it says in Philippians.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 NKJV

How is God molding you?

What is God calling for you to do?

Please share in the comments some specific experiences or insights of how God is working in your life.

His work is beautiful and He deserves the glory for it. Let’s thank Him.

Dear Lord, thank you for the work you are doing in our lives. Thank you for the assurance that You know each of us, and that You will conform us into the image of Your Son. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

Thank you for reading my devotionals. You can go back to past devotionals if you missed any of the 2025 Clay in the Potter’s Hands series, Attributes of God: A to Z series in 2024, or others dating back to August 2020. Click on the date under the title to expand the text.

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Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photos by Kathryn Hughes, aka Kathryn Breckenridge