A new calendar year often brings a fresh perspective with promises of a clean slate. We remember the past year and take inventory of successes and failures. We also look ahead with hope and anticipation of what will be.
In the book of Romans, Paul compares us to clay and God to a potter. Perhaps this is where our successes and failures meet–in God’s hands. Then God takes the many and varied experiences of our lives and uses them–the bitter and the sweet–to mold us, shape us, renew us and transform us. In God’s hands, we are works of art still under construction.
Sometimes the promises we make to ourselves, our New Year’s resolutions fall flat. But thanks be to God! We do not solely rely on our will power, faithfulness, or intellect. Ultimately our hope rests with our God who always keeps promises.
This message is an excerpt from “Faith reflection: Risky transformation” by Angela T. Khabeb in the January 2020 issue of Café.
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