FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 9:19–21: You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
This is a logical argument. God is the Potter and we are the clay. God is wiser than we are and we are foolish to question His will or to resist it. To be sure, the clay has no life and is passive in the potter’s hand. We have feelings, intellect, and willpower, and we can resist Him if we choose. Neither Moses, nor Pharaoh, nor anyone else, could choose his parents, his genetic structure, or his time and place of birth. We have to believe that these matters are in the hands of God. However, this does not excuse us from responsibility. Pharaoh had great opportunities to learn about the true God and trust Him, and yet he chose to rebel. Paul did not develop this aspect of truth because his theme was divine sovereignty, not human responsibility. The one does not deny the other, even though our finite minds may not fully grasp them both. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
Rest. You are in His hands. He is shaping His vessel into a trophy of His grace. Rejoice!
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
The haughty will find fulfillment when the Potter’s hand humbles them. – TWEET IT
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine…” Acts 9:15
Dear Father, thank You for creating me and making me into a vessel of honor for Your purposes and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 544–545). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
