Clay In The Potter's Hands. Jeremiah 1

Grab your bible and say this with me

This is my Bible

I am what is says I am

I have what it says I have

Today I will be taught more of the Word of God

I boldly confess My Mind is alert

My heart is receptive.

I will never be the same.

I am about to receive the incorruptible, Indestructible ever-living seed of the Word of God

I will never be the same

I'll never be the same, In Jesus Name

Clay in the Potter’s Hands

Jeremiah 1:4–8

Get you Bible and turn with me to Jeremiah Chapter 1 and say, “Amen” when you are there.

Have you ever seen a potter at work? He takes a plain lump of clay, places it on the wheel, and with patient, steady hands begins shaping. At first, it doesn’t look like much. But slowly, under the Potter’s touch, that clay becomes something useful and beautiful.

Jeremiah’s story reminds us that God works with us the same way. When Jeremiah was called, he felt too young, too weak, too unqualified. But God reminded him: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.”

Today, I want us to see our lives as clay in the Potter’s hands—shapeable, moldable, but also available for His purpose.

1. God Knows the Clay (Jeremiah 1:5)

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."

God told Jeremiah: “I knew you before you even existed.” God’s calling isn’t random—it’s intentional. He knows exactly what He made you to be.

He knows your strengths, your weaknesses, and even your hidden potential.

He knows the family you were born into, the struggles you’ve faced, the scars you carry.

He knows the shape of your life better than you do.

A potter studies his clay before he begins. He knows if it’s soft or stiff, if it has air bubbles that need to be worked out. He sees what the clay can become before the first touch of his hand.

In your family: God knew you’d be a father, mother, son, or daughter right where you are. He placed you in your family with purpose. Even when it feels messy, He can shape you to be the example of Christ your family needs.

In your workplace: You may think your job is just a paycheck, but God may see it as a mission field. He knew your co-workers would need to see Christ through you.

In ministry: God may be preparing you to serve in ways you never expected. Just as Jeremiah never imagined himself a prophet, God may be calling you into a role you haven’t seen yet.

2. The Clay Must Be Moldable (Jeremiah 1:6)

Jeremiah protested: “I cannot speak, I am too young.”

We often do the same. We give God excuses:

“I don’t have the time.”

“I don’t have the education.”

“I don’t have the courage.”

But the truth is: clay cannot shape itself. The only requirement is that it remains soft in the Potter’s hands.

When clay dries out, it cracks and resists shaping. The potter must add water and knead it to soften it again. Spiritually, the water of God’s Word and His Spirit soften our hearts so we can be shaped.

In your marriage: Being moldable may mean letting go of pride, saying “I’m sorry,” and letting God reshape your relationship.

In your finances: Maybe God is pressing you to trust Him with your giving, or to live more simply. Being moldable means letting Him reshape your priorities.

In your personal growth: Sometimes God presses us through trials to form our patience, humility, or faith. Instead of resisting, yield to His shaping hand.

3. The Clay Must Be Available (Jeremiah 1:7)

"You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you."

Jeremiah couldn’t just be shaped; he had to be sent. A potter doesn’t make a cup to sit empty on a shelf—he makes it to be filled and poured out.

Availability means saying “yes, Lord” even before you know the full assignment.

It means being willing to go, speak, serve, or give as God directs.

It means being useful, not just decorative.

At home: Are you available to be the spiritual leader in your household? To pray with your spouse, read the Bible with your children, or set the example of faith?

At work: Are you available when a co-worker opens up about their struggles? Will you step out and offer prayer or encouragement?

In church/ministry: Are you available to serve—whether teaching children, greeting guests, leading worship, or simply being present when needed?

Are you sitting on the shelf, or are you willing to be poured out?

4. The Potter’s Promise (Jeremiah 1:8)

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you."