Lumps of Clay

Have you ever noticed how we all have that one thing in our lives that absolutely must be in its proper place? That moment of panic when our keys, wallet, or phone isn't where it's supposed to be reveals something profound about human nature. This message takes that everyday experience and turns it into a powerful spiritual mirror, asking us the most important question we could ever face: Where is God's place in our lives? Through Romans 9, we're confronted with the uncomfortable but liberating truth that we are clay and God is the potter. We didn't earn our salvation through impressive works or spiritual achievement—we were dead in our sins until God breathed life into us. The passage challenges our modern sensibility that every voice deserves equal weight, reminding us that the created cannot question the Creator's justice or fairness. God defines mercy, compassion, and justice—not our feelings or cultural moment. Yet here's the beautiful paradox: this same sovereign God who owes us nothing has chosen us, called us, and lavished His mercy upon us. Our human effort neither earns more of His favor nor loses it. He remains steadfast regardless of whether we're having our best day or throwing spiritual tantrums. The call is clear: decrease so He can increase, making His name known in the brief vapor of time we have on this earth.