In His hands

 DEVOTION

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

IN HIS HANDS

Rom 9:19-21

19 One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'"   21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

NIV

We must remember Paul’s first recipients of this letter are mostly Jews mixed with Gentile believers in a church established in Rome. Many of his comments and illustrations would be well known by the Jews with their long-standing history with Jehovah. Still, these truths continue to bear so much relevance in our lives. The Idea of talking back to God about our lot in life seems to be an exercise in futility and yet in some ways, some of us might be doing that in a silent way. Are we content, or rather have we learned to be content with how God made us? First, are we content with our form, or body type, as well as the appearance of our reflection in that mirror? We know the beauty aid business draws in billions of dollars with people discontent with how God formed them. Then there is our mental acuity, our abilities, talents, or God-given skills. Much again, there are more people who desire to propel themselves beyond themselves. No amount of education is enough. No amount of learning is too great. Then those who cannot survive unless they can own more than all others, the race and competition to be the most successful is astonishing. All these are indications of man’s speaking back to God as to what type of vessel he has formed us to be, either for noble purposes or for common use? The key is that it is God who decides. This is not to say we should not pursue what is God’s purpose for us? Far from that! This should be our solitary focus and we have but one main method. Although this can be seen as a multifaceted approach. First, we know his Word which gives us our direction in life. Second, we have prayer, seeking his purpose for our lives. Thirdly, we have the indwelling Spirit who guides us into all truth. There is no reason for us to wonder what purpose God formed us as he did. If we wanted to enter into a contest with God about will, his is always the most excellent winner. When then should we even try to persuade his will concerning our lives? It would seem never is the correct answer. Does that mean we cannot ask for clarity, or seek him for our daily lives or needs? Absolutely we can ask, for he told us to ask for anything in the name of Jesus and he would do it. However, again, the key is asking with the right motives, not to be asking for our own self-propelled lives, but to be asking for his grace and mercy to accomplish the task he formed us to be and do, either a noble one or a common one. We are in his hands from the beginning to the end.