“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’  Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” Romans 9:20-22

The Capacity of God’s Love and Beauty

Have you ever wondered why God put so many people on earth? I kind of wonder sometimes. The words in the Bible say that God wants everyone to love Him. He has a great deal of patience while waiting for as many as possible to seek Him. Why did He not just stop at one million people? There are 7.9 billion people on Earth. God has a far greater capacity to love than I can imagine, and He loves each one of us.

But why is life so difficult sometimes? When people die, we mourn them, even if we know they had a relationship with Jesus. We call this “Celebrations of Life,” but we still grieve the loss. If they are going to heaven, there is nothing better. We think we know what heaven is like, but the Bible tells us that “… no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind can conceive the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9. That means that even if I think I know, I don’t. It is not just a better version of Earth. God has far more beauty than our minds can grasp. I believe that. But I still grieve the loss of the person.

Grieving Loss and Finding Rest

This week we laid to rest one of God’s craftsmanship, Darrell. In nine days, it will be the 11-year death anniversary of our daughter Jordyn; eleven freaking years. My calendar is filling up with death anniversaries. Sometimes I get tired from reading it, but God has an immense ability to provide rest beyond that of sleep alone.

I have been wondering all day what words would come out of me tonight. I try not to plan it too much. But I realized that I have absolutely nothing to add to it. God is enough. Darrell created art for most of his nearly 90-year life. Why did he not run out of beautiful things to make? His capacity was above my understanding. Why did Jordyn’s mere 16-year life impact more people than mine will, even if I live to see 100? God has an unfathomable ability to use that surpasses my comprehension.

Dependence on God and His Guidance

The devotional my wife and I read this morning described being weak as depending on Him to get us through the day. We develop an ability to rely on Him when we are at the end of our understanding or strength. God wants us to depend on Him. God has a better ability to guide than I do.

So why all the people? Just like Darrell had the capacity to make more beautiful things than I can imagine, God has an extraordinary ability to create works of art that far surpass our capacity for comprehension. We are all wonderfully different, perfect works of art. He puts us out front so people can see what He has made. Sometimes He puts us in the back to highlight a unique collection. Sometimes He takes a special creation home to His private collection so He can enjoy them there. We do not get to go there until He decides. But make no mistake, we are God’s craftsmanship. You, too, will get to go home someday.

Uncommen Questions:

Do you look at yourself as God’s craftsmanship?

Even if you do not, do you realize God looks at you as His craftsmanship?

Uncommen Challenge: Be at peace, whether He has you on display or hidden away for now. He is the potter; we are just lumps of clay in His hands. Let Him work.