Basic HTML Version
344
The Ministry of Healing
wets it and then dries it. He lets it lie for a while without touching it.
When it is perfectly pliable, he
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wis-
dom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
.
[472]
continues the work of making of it a vessel. He forms it into shape
and on the wheel trims and polishes it. He dries it in the sun and
bakes it in the oven. Thus it becomes a vessel fit for use. So the
great Master Worker desires to mold and fashion us. And as the clay
is in the hands of the potter, so are we to be in His hands. We are
not to try to do the work of the potter. Our part is to yield ourselves
to be molded by the Master Worker.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that,
when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding
joy.”
1 Peter 4:12, 13
.
In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other
voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks
to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never
a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and
places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In
the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned,
and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth,
and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with
His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned
it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward.
Many are dissatisfied with their lifework. It may be that their sur-
roundings are uncongenial; their time is occupied with commonplace
work, when they think themselves capable of higher responsibilities;
often their efforts seem to them to be unappreciated or fruitless; their
future is uncertain.
Let us remember that while the work we have to do may not
be our choice, it is to be accepted as God’s choice for us. Whether
[473]
pleasing or unpleasing, we are to do the duty that lies nearest. “What-
soever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no