When we consider the conditions of men’s hearts in this world, one can’t help but get discouraged. God is clear that when we, as men, turn our backs on God—no longer trusting, honoring, or obeying Him—He will take His hand off of us. Unfortunately, when the hand that holds men together is taken off, a tailspin effect is created.
The God who created us is not only the Creator but also the Keeper, like a good father who wants to bless His children. And He does so by providing, protecting, and shaping His children, much like a potter does with clay. Yet, despite that, we, His creation, still have a choice to either allow Him to be our Source of Keeping us or we can reject him. When rejection takes place things begin to spin slowly out of control. Simply stated, when you and I don’t let Him hold us together, we are rejecting the Perfect Father.
When this happens, when we replace His will with ours, we unknowingly forego the Creator’s blessing and protection (The Creator is replaced by the created). Unfortunately, when this happens—like a plane that doesn’t stay on its flight path or a traveler refusing to consider the map—our circumstances and destination will not end well. Romans 1:28 gives us a clear, unmistakable message that ‘they neither glorified, honored or gave Him thanks.’ Consequently, the Lord took His hands off of them and the wheels began to fall off.
As a country, we are there. The current circumstances are bad and are getting worse. Why? Because, we thought we could do it without Him. Yes, the clay wants to tell the Potter what to do (Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Romans 9:20). So, what now? Do we stand by, fold our hands, and blame everyone else? No!
God never wastes anything. God knew this was going to happen and He created us as Men and even put us on earth for a time like this (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He brought us onto this stage of Hell on Earth and is now giving us an assignment. Did I sign up? Nope! He signed me up! Did I create the assignment? Nope, He created the assignment! Did I ask for this? Nope, He created me for this!
Is the assignment bigger than me? Yep. But with His help, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). God often uses reluctant, broken, unskilled, stuttering, and often weak-hearted men who see injustice take place, and step up and step out to change the entire direction of countries!
There is ZERO chance you are here at this time without having a calling and an assignment (Esther 4:14b). You are not qualified, and I’m especially not, but neither were David, Moses, Noah, or Abraham! Most were unqualified and overlooked! Why? Because if God used powerful, smart, strong men to win the battle then we’d take credit! While my sin and weakness may seem to disqualify me, it’s the very thing God wants. may not understand fully what He wants me to do, but neither do I have to. All I have to do is trust Him, seek Him and begin to show others what He is showing me. As we learn more about Him, He will take us from the shallow end to the deep end of the pool. In fact, like David, He may just throw you into the deep end before you can dog paddle.
What’s happening is that we have too many men sitting in the bleachers, watching their team lose. Why? Because we don’t believe we’re called or qualified! Well, let’s cross-test that with God’s Word (2 Timothy 4: 2, 5).
Men, this may seem harsh. However, if someone was drowning are you the one that says someone needs to help that person; I don’t think it will end well. Are you going to jump in even if you are a horrible swimmer? If we love our family and country and mourn what is happening, not knowing how to correct the tailspin, we must allow the potter to mold the clay before we jump in.
Formal training isn’t necessary – just God’s Word! 2 Chronicles 7:14 is clear: “If my children who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land!” The Lord didn’t say they will heal the land. He said, “I will!” Clay can’t fix broken vases, only the Potter can!
Our assignment is simple: Honor Him by seeking His will and telling someone else. Don’t let anyone convince you that the game is lost; we’re only in the first quarter. In fact, God may keep it in the first quarter, waiting for you to jump in and lend a hand!
I thank God for difficult assignments and broken vases like me. Remember, Noah didn’t have the Weather Channel and built the Ark before it rained! What can we learn from Noah, David, Abraham, and Moses? Let’s repair the barn before it falls down!
Stephen L. Thomas, RTM