“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’”

Isaiah 45:9 NLT

When I speak to parents or individuals who are overwhelmed by sorrow and hopelessness, there are two things especially I like to tell them.

1. God is not finished yet. We despair sometimes as we watch a loved one make choices in their life that are far from wise. We long to give advice and take whatever control we can. When they were kids that is one thing, but they are grown up now and very possibly, not asking for our input or help. Prayer is the only helpful option left available to us. A few years ago, I was feeling quite a bit of despair because of choices that were being made by a loved one. As I was rolling around in hopelessness and despair, the Lord spoke to me: “This is not the sum of my work”. I will never forget that, and I continue to remind myself if I am slipping into despair that God is not finished. He does not leave the work of His hands, half done.

2. In sorrow, I have heard many people (parents especially) almost ready to give up on praying for their loved one. The Devil would love it if we bought into the lie that prayer is a waste of God’s and our time. Prayer always matters and God is constantly at work, whether we can see it or not. Prayer is never a waste of our time. God moves mountains and it is done through prayer. Alfred Tennyson reminds us that, “more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”.

Isaiah 45:9 reminds us that God is the potter, and He knows what He is doing. I remember one of my granddaughters showing me some unfinished pottery from her pottery class, the thought of judging her unfinished work never crossed my mind! In the same way, as we look at what is happening in the life of one who is dear to us, their choices or whatever it may be. Remember, God is not finished yet. We have to give our loved one over to God and trust them with the Potter, to do what He knows best to do. And pray. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” That, my friend, is good news!

Dear Father,

Thank you for always being at work with my loved one! Thank you that you are not finished yet. I choose to leave them in your hands today. Thank you that I can pray for them and entrust them to your care.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.