🌿Becoming a Vessel: A Reflection on God’s Purpose for Our Lives🌿by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
A sweet friend recently brought me one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received—a Bible tassel/mark with the word VESSEL woven into it. 🏺 Along with this, she included the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13. 🙏
At first, the word vessel surprised me. I had never spent much time reflecting on vessels in scripture, beyond the wineskins and the containers that Jesus used when He turned water into wine. 🍷 But seeing that word embedded in such a thoughtful gift, I knew God was inviting me to take notice, to dive deeper into this word and its meaning for my life. 🌿
As I began to search the scriptures, I came across this verse in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV):
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” 🏠✨
This scripture compares believers to vessels, calling us to live pure and holy lives so that we may be used for God’s special purposes. 🙌 All my life, I have been seeking God’s purpose for me. In fact, the first book I ever wrote was titled Purposeful Day. 📝 I long to be everything that God molded me to be in my mother’s womb. Yet, in moments of doubt, I question whether I truly measure up. What I never doubt is my Maker—He knows what He’s doing, even when I don’t. 💡
A Prayer of Surrender 🙏💖
Lord, I ask You to make me worthy of the calling of Your vessel. 🏺 Renew me, reconstruct me, and prepare me to dedicate my life and purpose solely to You. Remind me daily that I have answered Your call, and I am willing to sacrifice my life in service to You and others. 🙏 May I always submit my life as Your vessel, returning to the Potter’s House each morning, as long as there is breath in my lungs. Thank You, Jesus, for Your faithfulness! 🌸
In my search for deeper understanding, I also came across the passage in Jeremiah 18:3-6 (NIV):
“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.’” 🏺
This passage reminds us that we are clay in the hands of the Potter—our Creator. Even when we feel marred or broken, God can reshape us, making us whole and molding us into vessels for His glory. ✨ It’s a powerful image of surrendering to His will, trusting that He can take every part of our lives—even the brokenness—and use it for His purpose. 🌟
May we all be willing vessels in the Potter’s hands, continually shaped and molded for His special purposes. 🏺✋
I hope this reflection encourages you as much as it has renewed my heart. 💕 Let’s keep seeking His purpose and allowing Him to work in us as only the Master Potter can. 🌿💫
The Aging English Major 