A
few years ago there was a sitcom called “Do Over.” The main character had a
freak accident that sent him back to his life as a 14-year old, but with all
his adult memories intact. The show was about his attempt to right the wrongs
of his past.

Over
the last 30 years of ministry, I’ve heard many in their Christian lives wishing
they could start over. The good news is that in our spiritual life, we can.

In
Jeremiah 18, God orders the prophet to observe a potter shaping clay. As he
watches, Jeremiah quickly realizes that whenever the vessel falls apart, the
potter doesn’t discard it. Instead, he pushes down the clay and starts over
again. In the passage God says: “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this
potter does?… Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand”
(Jer. 18:6)

God
is constantly reshaping us. Our failures don’t disgust him or make God want to
turn away. No matter what kind of mess we make of our lives, the master potter
can always take our clay, remold it and ultimately make us into a beautiful
vessel.

Taking
this analogy a bit further, we can look at Paul’s letter to the church in
Ephesus. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). The word handiwork can
also be translated, masterpiece.

We
all make messes in our lives from time to time. But Scripture tells us to be
confident, saying: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

That’s good news for all of
us.

I’m
Joseph Tkach, Speaking of Life.