by Jill Austin
“Does it have to take so long? It’s boring just sitting in the water all the time! I try to pray and meditate on the Word, but my mind wanders all over the place.”
“Beloved, everyone goes through that. Just don’t give up. Just keep loving Me.
“Through the many long seasons you’ll learn My ways as I strengthen and mature you. All in due season, Beloved. All in due season.” Master Potter gently places her back into the little pool of water and returns to the Potter’s House.
At times Beloved grows impatient and weary of waiting. “When is it going to be my turn? I’m tired of waiting.” Grumbling to herself, she says, “I see Master Potter coming and taking others out of the pools of water. When am I going to the Potter’s wheel? I want to fulfill my destiny. I know I must be ready by now. I’ve been here longer than anyone!” She starts yelling out, “Master Potter, I’m ready. Over here. Did You forget Your little princess?”
More time passes through the seasons, and the years come and go. Beloved works hard at trying to be patient. While she waits, she often ponders in her heart the many promises and dreams that Master Potter showed her. Always before her, deep in her spirit, is the vision of the beautiful vessels being loaded on the flagship long ago. With each passing day it seems longer ago and further away, yet she never lets go—the vision has become the purpose of her life.
OUCH! LORD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Finally, the deep resonating voice of Master Potter beckons, “Beloved, I’m coming for you! You’re ready to begin a new season of preparation for My wheel.” With a gleam in His eye, He kneels down beside the pool, scoops her into His hands and places her on a large drying board in the warm sun.
“Oh Lord, I’m so excited! I’m ready for anything!”
Suddenly she feels herself being picked up and repeatedly shoved down on the wedging board. As if that isn’t enough, He squeezes, kneads, and pounds her into place. He pushes and prods, making her clay soft and pliable in His hands.
“Ouch! Lord, what are You doing?”
“This process is called ‘wedging.’ It will bring a consistency to your life as I work the air bubbles out of you and knead My love in. Then your clay vessel will not blow up in the firing ahead.”
I JUST DON’T MEASURE UP
Master Potter leans back with a satisfied sigh, and with great delight holds the soft yet firm clay ball named Beloved in His hands. He places her on another wooden board alongside other clay balls of various sizes also waiting to be carried to His house.
Eying balls of clay much larger than herself, she asks, “Lord, why am I so small? That one over there is ten pounds and look at that one! It must be 25 pounds! That one has prettier clay than I do. Why didn’t You make me rich brown, dark red or yellow clay? Why did You make me this light grayish color? After all I’ve been through, I’m still so plain and ugly!”
Chuckling, He says, “So you compare yourself to others, do you? Beloved, I know where to find and dig the various kinds of clay. I love their different textures and wonderful colors of red, yellow, black, white, or brown. I also know what temperature of fire is needed for the different types of clay bodies to come forth as beautiful clay vessels. Whether they are earthenware, stoneware, porcelain or china, I have a plan for each one.
“I’m a creative artist and have personally designed each of My vessels. I know their substance and how much clay is needed for every one of them. A pitcher like yourself could take five or six pounds; a platter takes ten to twelve; a cup might take only one; but it is no less valuable because of its small size.”
His eyes search the depths of her soul, peering into a future still hidden from her. He declares, “I’ve measured you, I know your portion, I know exactly what destiny, what mysteries, what assignment of life I have for you. I have a mission and calling for your life. And now, are you ready?”
“For what, Lord?”
“For the Potter’s wheel, of course!”
Her heart leaps with excitement, “Finally! At last! I can become the vessel I was meant to be. I can hardly wait! Wheel, here I come.”
Fragrances of myrrh and aloe emanate from His robe as He moves toward her. Master Potter picks up the board heavily laden with clay balls and walks toward His house. After so much time being submerged, Beloved is relieved to leave the pools behind. No more winter seasons for me! It’s high time my ministry got started.
PART FOUR
THE POTTER’S WHEEL
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ON THE WHEEL
Traveling back through the forest, they enter the barren brick courtyard. Looking up, Beloved catches a glimpse of the pillar of fire still brooding over the dwelling. Terrifying in its beauty, the fiery whirlwind fascinates her. Somehow she knows it’s Heaven’s gateway. They walk into the heavy mist of radiant glory saturated with iridescent golden particles of light constantly surrounding the house.
Master Potter pushes open the back door and the old cedar beams greet them as they step over the threshold, bringing a renewed sense of security to Beloved.
Hope and wonderment explode in Beloved’s heart as they enter the studio. Will this be the day He makes me into that beautiful blue and white pitcher?
They pass long wooden shelves loaded with glazed, finished vessels and stop before a large urn and exquisite vase.
“Beloved, I’d like to introduce you to several of my friends. This is Courageous,” Master Potter says, pointing to a large amber urn. “And this beautiful vase over here is Loving Kindness.”
In unison they both call out, “Hello, little one.”
Intimidated by their size and beauty, Beloved murmurs to Master Potter, “See, I told you I’m too small! Even they called me ‘little one.’”
Loving Kindness warmly greets Beloved, “So, this is your big day. This is a day that you will always remember, a day when you are changed for all eternity.”
The deep voice of Courageous booms, “Don’t be afraid, little one. I remember the day the Master formed me on the wheel. It stretches you a bit, but His grace enables you to be pliable in His hands.”
Loving Kindness glides gracefully over to Beloved and kisses her on the cheek. Beloved tries to hide her embarrassment as she gazes longingly upon her lovely, handpainted roses. “Will I ever be as beautiful as you? I love your soft green finish.”
Loving Kindness meets her gaze and smiles sweetly, “Thank you. Of course you’ll be beautiful! But remember, I didn’t get this way overnight; it takes time to become a finished vessel.”
“I know something about time,” says Beloved.” I’ve been waiting around here forever!” The two finished pots look at Master Potter with a knowing smile.
ON THE POTTER’S WHEEL—AT LAST
Turning back to Beloved He says, “This is an exciting new season we’re entering together. Since it’s such a beautiful day, I think I’ll use one of the Potter’s wheels on the deck.” Master Potter takes Beloved through the French doors outside to a large wooden deck overlooking the cliff and the pounding surf below. The ocean’s breeze on her skin is refreshing. For so long her mind has dreamt of this day, but now that it’s finally here her great sense of anticipation is giving way to a growing sense of fear.
Suddenly a trumpet blast announces a flagship’s arrival into the harbor below. Leaning over the wooden railing Master Potter points, “Look! One of my ships has returned from the nations to be outfitted for its next journey.”
She watches hundreds of earthenware vessels on the docks ready to be placed on board. Turning to Master Potter she says, “As a little girl I always watched as these beautiful ships came in. Did you know I wanted to be a stowaway? I must have planned it a hundred times, how to sneak on board, so I could escape from my dad.
“Many nights I hid behind the barrels on the dock and listened to the worship music coming off the ships. It was so comforting to me because it reminded me of my Grandma Pearl. I can’t believe that some day I will actually ride Your ship, with Your permission and ble
ssing.”
TOOLS OF THE CRAFTSMAN
Finally, Master Potter puts on His work apron and sits down on a low stool in front of the wheel overlooking the harbor. He places a bowl of water and some tools on a wooden bench next to Him. “Beloved, let me introduce you to some more new friends.”
With great affection He holds up a reddish-brown bowl with the name Servant carved into its side. “This vessel has been glazed and has endured the high fires. Therefore, it’s able to hold the living water necessary to form you into a beautiful vessel.”
Next He picks up a sponge. “This is Soaking Love, who works with Servant. Most people will forget who they are, but My hands work in partnership with each of them.”
Servant smiles adoringly as Master Potter asks, “Are you ready to begin, Beloved?”
“Lord, I’ve waited so long; it’s hard to believe it’s really happening.”
With a bold kick, the huge stone flywheel at the Master’s feet begins to rotate. Picking up Beloved, He looks with soft penetrating eyes deeply into her soul. “I love you, Beloved. Remember, in the midst of being formed into a beautiful vessel, you won’t always understand the process. There are hidden mysteries that one day will be revealed to you. Shall we begin?”
“Oh yes, Lord, I’ve never been more ready.”
A LEAP OF FAITH
Unexpectedly, He throws her down on the spinning wheel. Beloved is suddenly falling at breakneck speed. A wave of nauseating fear sweeps over her, causing her heart to beat wildly. She feels as if she’s riding a roller coaster that’s racing down a steep hill with the wind whipping in her face. “Oh no! I’m afraid. Oh! Oh! Wait. I can’t stop!”
With a great thud, Beloved smashes into an immovable object—the potter’s wheel.
Without a moment to catch her breath, Beloved is spinning around wildly with increasing velocity as the acceleration speeds up. Faster, faster, faster, faster.
“Lord, help! What’s happening to me? I’m out of control!” He squeezes cold water from the sponge, Soaking Love, and it pours over her head, muffling her cries. Gulping and gurgling Beloved yells, “What are You trying to do, drown me?”
Now frantic and terrified, Beloved thrashes about, fighting for her life, and her clay wobbles out of balance on the wheel. In a power struggle over who will be in control, she resists the hands of the One trying to transform her into a beautiful vessel.
“Don’t be afraid of the sudden pressures bearing down on you. Some things have to change, Beloved. Faith means giving up control of your life and trusting Me to be more than your Savior but also your Lord.”
Her continued resistance throws her off-balance. “Please help me, Master Potter! I’m trying to trust You, but I don’t know how!”
“Relax, Beloved; I’m right here and everything’s under control. The very universe is held together by the power of My words. All that I ask of you is a heart that is yielded. Are you willing to say yes to Me, Beloved?”
“Lord, letting go is so scary; giving myself totally into Your hands is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done! But, I’m trying! See, I’m taking deep breaths and trying to relax.”
He enjoys her willingness and her attempts to yield to His hands. He squeezes more water from Soaking Love onto her clay. Firmly, He presses her down even harder, forming her into a shapeless lump, centered on the wheel. Soft clay oozes between His fingers. The pliability was created at the cost of breaking, crushing, soaking and waiting. Pausing for a moment, He cleans His hands in the humble water bowl.
By this time Servant is so smeared with Beloved’s excess clay that she can no longer see the letters of his name carved into his side. She’s overwhelmed by his great sacrifice for her.
CREATING A NEW HEART
Then the voice of Master Potter draws her attention. “I’m centering your innermost being. I’m taking away the double-mindedness and renewing your soul. My desire is that your heart be an enclosed garden of intimacy for Me.”
His skillful hands plunge deeply into the very heart of her clay, making a firm foundation and widening the base. “Beloved, I know your depths. The goal is to form you in My image. Your emptiness will disappear as I fill the tremendous void in your life with My love. As you choose an all-consuming love relationship with Me, I will awaken within you a true sense of belonging.”
Her heart melts in surrender and she yields to the pressure of His hands.
“I’m working in the deepest recesses of your being. It’s a place no mortal can touch or even comprehend. The beauty of My handiwork is concealed on the inside, but until I bring up your walls, you still appear as a lump of clay.”
JEALOUSY AND COMPETITION
Jealousy rises in other unfinished vessels as they see the loving intimacy between Master Potter and Beloved.
A stocky little pot drying on a shelf next to the potter’s wheel wisecracks, “I see You’re making another doggy dish! Or is this one going to be special and become a spittoon?”
Discouraged, Beloved says, “See? I still look like a formless blob of clay. Why don’t You tell them I am going to be somebody? I’m going on one of the flagships as a beautiful blue and white pitcher trimmed with gold. You told me I’m a princess who will touch thousands.”
The envious vessels hoot in derision, “It’s an ashtray for sure! It’s a doggy dish! Ashtray! Doggie dish! I know! She’s a flagship thunder mug—a bedpan! Yes, a bedpan,” they all agree. “And a dirty one at that.”
The harassment continues until Master Potter intervenes. “Well, I see it’s time for all of you to be fired! That should work out some of the dross, the impurities of jealousy, bitterness and resentment that are in your clay. Then you won’t be making fun of others.”
“That’s right,” Beloved pipes up. “You guys don’t know what you’re talking about. Someday I’ll be a famous prophetic voice known around the world. You watch and see.”
Master Potter continues to stretch her walls higher. “Yes, Beloved, in time everyone will see you’re a beautiful pitcher, but you too have much to learn.”
“See, I told you so. I’m not a bedpan, look how tall He’s making me. Obviously, He enjoys working on my clay more than yours. That’s why you’ve been left up there on the shelf to dry out.”
“Well, she certainly does have a mouth, doesn’t she? I’m sure she’ll be a wide-mouth pitcher,” they all smirk.
Angry, Beloved yells back. “You’re just jealous of the fact that I have all His attention. Obviously, He cares more about me, or you wouldn’t be sitting on the shelves all dried up and useless.”
Master Potter stops the wheel and says, “Oh Beloved, your heart is getting exposed. It’s time to deal with your attitude.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
PIERCING LOVE
Master Potter’s sensitive fingers find several air pockets trapped in her clay. He picks up a pencil-thin tool with a sharp needle-like point. Engraved on the tool is the name Piercing Love.
Fear grips her. “What are You going to do with that?”
“Beloved, we need to work on the air pockets of pride and self-promotion.”
“Lord, I don’t think I’m the problem. Those other vessels are! You heard how they talked to me; and You’re right—they need the dross fired out of them. You need to stick them with that needle-sharp tool to get the air pockets out of them. After all, my air bubbles are so small compared to theirs. Can’t we keep it our little secret? Besides a little self-promotion is necessary in this world in which we live! What do You say?”
Master Potter persists, “Beloved, these air bubbles will cause you to explode in the firing. I’m not making any deals. Are you willing to repent of your attitudes and allow Me to heal your life?”
Squirming, she replies, “Lord, this is going to be embarrassing. Now everyone will see my defects. After all, You said I’m to be a beautiful vessel going to the nations. This could ruin our reputation!”
“Thank you for thinking of My reputation, but I’m more
concerned about your manipulation. If you love Me, you need to humble yourself.
“Your upper rim is uneven too. Beloved, you’re thinking a little too highly of yourself. I’m going to have to trim it.”
“No Lord. I was just getting so tall and I was finally getting some visibility. People were starting to look up to me and realize my gifting. Everyone’s watching me grow in stature. It’s not fair. Please, no more.”
“Beloved,” He says gently, “have you ever heard the phrase, ‘to cut someone down to size’? The princess needs trimming because her pride is still showing.”
“But Lord, I’ve been through so much. Isn’t it fair that I finally get some recognition? After all, I do have a beautiful voice and I’m going to sing in churches now, for Your glory. And You were the one who called me Your princess, not me.”
“Beloved, you are and will always be My princess, but true royalty doesn’t demand worship from others. True royalty bows low.”
WINDS OF CONVICTION
Holy Spirit’s convicting winds blow over the delusions of her heart, revealing the wrong attitudes that hinder love. With a sigh of resignation she answers, “Oh no, Lord. I blew it again, didn’t I? Forgive me for thinking that I was better than everyone else! Make me more like You. I hate this process, but I don’t want to lose our intimacy. If this is what You’re asking, I know it’s best and I’m willing to trust You. Just do it quickly.” Tears well up in her eyes.
