Spiritual Formation - Lessons From The PotterSample

We Need to Surrender 

The sun shines through the day but I would need to draw open the curtains to let the sun shine in. Spiritual formation therefore does involve our efforts. It does involve my willingness to participate in His work. It does involve obedience to surrender to God-orchestrated events and His Word.  In Jeremiah 18, there was a call to repentance, and a call to turn from hard-hearted disobedience. 

Jeremiah 18:11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.

God’s voice can be that still small voice, but at other times it can be a loud shout. Here it seems more like a shout of warning, with the consequence of disobedience clearly spelled out. The people of Israel were warned about the impending danger should they choose to disobey. There was a clear command to turn from their evil ways and reform their ways and actions. However, the choice was up to the people. Similarly, in regard to our formation, the choice is ours! It does require effort on our part. It requires submission, and discipline.

God’s command and His warnings can ring out, but it’s our wholehearted obedience and willingness to surrender to His purpose that would enable us to truly reflect Him. May we always act in obedience and continually align ourselves to His purpose.