I was walking the shore of Lake Michigan when I encountered a lone granite rock on the beach. I picked it up and felt its smooth, rounded shape. As I rolled the rock in my hand, I thought about how the rock had been shaped by the pounding waves pressing and moving it against the abrasive sand. Over time it smoothed out its rough edges and reshaped it.
It was an apt analogy of how God has a way of shaping us and smoothing out our rough edges. At times we feel it more as life presses hard against us with an abrasive action that is painful. We are tossed and turned against the sand as the waves pound at us. Other times we are at rest and reflective as living water gently laps over us. Through it all, God is the potter shaping us. He is the Master craftsman.
By drawing closer to God and abiding in Him, we can learn to trust His plans for our life (John 15:4). Even as we feel crushed by the pounding waves, we can be at peace knowing God is in control (Mark 4:37-41). Take a moment to close your eyes and feel the potters hands upon your life. Reflect on how the Master craftsman is building your life.
“The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with smooth stones; The sycamores have been cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” – Isaiah 9:10, NASB
But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. – Isaiah 64:8
140 Character Christian 
Wonderful post! Wishing you blessings!
Blessings.
As I take in some quiet moments of reflection, I appreciate where God has smoothed out my rough edges.
Thanks for the comment. I am thankful for the Master potter shaping us into vessels for His Kingdom. Blessings.
Great analogy to God’s sanctification process. The question is : how do I react while God’s “smoothing process” is taking place in my life ? Indignant, maybe angry …. or thankful ?
A good reminder to prayerfully seek God, to draw closer to Him, when we are under pressure. We can trust God and His purposes for shaping us for His work. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
This reminds me of I Peter 2, where we are called “living stones” who are being built into a spiritual house (temple) – with Jesus as the Cornerstone, of course. 😉
That’s a great companion scripture to this post. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
You’ve added fresh thoughts to a familiar analogy, Chris. Well done!
I appreciate the appropriate scripture references you included. I read them all. The Isaiah 9 passage is especially helpful. Sometimes God needs to take something away before he starts to build something new. Our job is to stay moldable and foldable in His capable hands.
I hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving, brother.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.