The Potter’s Hands: Learning to Surrender

There’s something powerful about watching a potter at work. A simple lump of clay, formless and ordinary, is placed on the wheel. The potter presses, pulls, and shapes it with care. Sometimes the clay resists. Sometimes it collapses. And sometimes, the potter has to press it back down and begin again. But here’s the beauty—the potter never throws the clay away.

That image reminds us of our own journey with God. We are the clay, and He is the Potter. Our lives spin on the wheel of circumstances, and we often feel the weight of His hands pressing on us. It may be confusing, even painful. We may ask, “Why am I going through this? Why does it feel like I’m being broken down?” But the truth is, His hands are still on us, and His purpose is to mold us into something greater.

When Life Feels Like the Wheel

Like Israel in the Old Testament, our story is marked by seasons that mirror their journey. They knew bondage in Egypt; we know bondage to fear, sin, or struggles that once held us captive. They grumbled in the wilderness; we, too, grow impatient when answers feel delayed. They were tempted to return to Egypt; we are tempted to return to old habits when change feels too hard.

And yet, just as God never abandoned them, He doesn’t abandon us. He shapes, reshapes, and refines us until we are vessels of His glory.

Breaking Lies That Hold Us Back

Part of God’s shaping process is breaking the lies that the enemy has planted in our hearts:

• “You’re worthless.” God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

• “You’ll always be broken.” God says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

• “Your past defines you.” God says, “I know the plans I have for you.”

• “You’re too far gone.” God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

When those lies are removed, His truth begins to take root, and we can finally yield to His hands.

Surrendering to the Process

Surrender isn’t easy. It stretches us, humbles us, and takes us out of our comfort zones. But surrender matters. When we try to be our own potter, we end up cracked and broken. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Surrender is choosing to trust His design over our desire, His timing over our timeline, and His hands over our plans. And when we stay in His hands, we are never safer, never stronger, and never more secure.

How to Stay Yielded

So how do we stay surrendered in the Potter’s hands? Here are some practical steps:

• Pray honest prayers—tell Him when it’s hard.

• Stay rooted in the Word—let truth soften your heart.

• Let go of control—trust that He knows what He’s shaping.

• Embrace the pressure—it’s proof of His touch.

• Trust the pruning—what He removes is for your good.

• Stay obedient—even when you don’t feel like it.

• Surround yourself with godly voices—encouragement matters.

• Celebrate small growth—fruit takes time, but it will come.

  
  

A Final Word of Hope

If you feel like you’re spinning in circles, pressed on every side, or even broken down, don’t lose hope. The Potter is not finished with you. He is still shaping, still working, still molding you into His masterpiece.

Your story isn’t over—the best chapters are still being written in the Potter’s hands.