Pastor Mike Nodland

My wife took me to an out-of-the-way shop some years ago to see how potters “throw clay,” as they call it. He beat a hunk of clay mercilessly, ensuring all air pockets were out. Then he took that chunk and threw it on his potter’s wheel, peddling the wheel with his feet as fast as he could while keeping the clay wet.

Next, wetting the clay, he began forming it as it spun around on his wheel. Stressing the clay, he pushed hard to seal it to his spinning wheel. Centering the clay, he formed the clay upwards and then downwards. The clay had nowhere to go but either up or down until it wiggled no more. That’s when he had the clay “centered” on the wheel. Pushing down into the center of the clay, it began to take a rough shape. Pressing into the sides of the clay, he squeezed, repeatedly wetting the clay until he had a finished pot. The potter’s secret: keep stressing the clay and wetting it.

Here’s another Potter’s Secret: Our Heavenly Father formed us like clay, making us into His own image. Stresses–those bumps in life–make us stronger! Here’s a bonus secret: God wants a personal relationship with you! Trust Him today!

Mike Nodland, pastor

Christian Fellowship Church, Vining, IA