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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today as I had my quiet time

with the Lord, I saw myself on the Potter’s wheel being whirled around endlessly, so it seemed. There were many times when I became dizzy as the Great Potter was lovingly and diligently working on me. I initially found myself resenting His touch because I knew it would probably mean pain and suffering. So often I thought, “Lord, I’m fine right where I am,” but He just kept right on whirling me around until He was satisfied that His work of art was to His pleasure.

Eventually I was able to surrender gratitude to God for not leaving me where I was because I knew He would continue this process until He had created another High Definition masterpiece, much greater than the previous ones. As I thought of the Potter’s wheel, I envisioned several spiritual “Busts” of me all laid out in a row, each one more precious than the ones before it. They all had a special story to tell, but the greatest revelation was that my God would never leave me where I was. He seemed to never be completely satisfied with each piece because He knew that with every new whirl and touch, His work could be more fully perfected—more Highly Defined.

I then thought: “Down through the years, we observe the different seasons of our lives through our many photos. They each show how dramatically we have changed: Thinning hair; Facial changes; pain and disappointment in our eyes; illness and even weight gain.” But the beauty of all of this is that while my photos may indicate the decline of my physical body, each of the Master Potter’s “Busts” is an indication of His continuous perfecting of my inner man, all made possible because He is never willing to leave me where I am.

Prayer: Lord, how grateful I am that you never listen to me when I cry out, "That’s enough!" You have the plan and You are the only one who knows how to perfect that plan to Your glory. I thank You for showing me your continuous High Definition work in my life. It really is true that "Father knows best!" Praise the name of Jesus. Amen.

Encouragement Tip: The next time you take out those old photos and long for how you once were, remember to reflect on your spiritual snapshots and the many ways God has been perfecting you. Then decide which one has the greater importance. Think to yourself: "Although I may not yet be all that I should be in Christ, I thank God that I am not what I once was since He began whirling me around."