Prayer, Hope, and Answers!

 

 



At certain times in our lives, we encounter situations that require us to lift up deep cries, wails, and prayers to our heavenly Father. These prayers may involve our health, our family, our loneliness, or a multitude of other circumstances. Let’s take a look at Hannah’s prayer and discover how Hannah felt and how the Lord chose to answer her prayer. Keep in mind that God always sees the big picture for YOUR life, and God’s answers are always designed especially for you or whomever you are praying for.

In 1 Samuel 1-2, we read that Hannah was married to Elkanah. Elkanah was a Godly man who loved Hannah very much; but the Lord had not blessed their union with any children. Peninnah, also Elkanah’s wife had children. Peninnah continually provoked Hannah because of her childlessness to the point she wept and would not eat.  Hannah was embarrassed and grieved with this harsh treatment. Have you ever been at the point, like Hannah, where you have experienced embarrassment, grief, and/or distress? If so, let’s look at the process that Hannah experienced and see if you find any similarities in your life.

1.       God loved Hannah. 1 Samuel 1:5

2.       Hannah had no children. 1 Samuel 1:5

3.       Hannah was embarrassed and grieved. 1 Samuel 1:6
 

4.       Hannah was provoked, so she wept and did not eat. 1 Samuel 1:6
 

5.       Her husband loved her. 1 Samuel 1:8
 

6.       Hannah was distressed. 1 Samuel 1:10
 

7.       Hannah prayed to the Lord as she wept bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10
 

8.       Hannah vowed her unborn child to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:11
 

9.       Hannah poured out her soul to Eli the priest. 1 Samuel 1:15
 

10.   Eli gave Hannah hope. 1 Samuel 1:17
 

11.   Hannah left with a good countenance and wasn’t sad anymore. 1 Samuel 1:18
 

12.   Hannah conceived and bore a son – Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:20
 

13.   Hannah gave her child to Eli as she vowed. 1 Samuel 1:24-28.
 

14.   Hannah rejoiced and glorified the Lord for his answer. 1 Samuel 2:1-2
 

How often do we find ourselves in one or more of the steps that Hannah found herself? When I read 1 Samuel 1, I became so impressed that Eli gave Hannah hope. And, it took that hope to get Hannah out of her funk. Proverbs 13:12a says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick. . .” It was hope that made Hannah’s countenance shine. She went away with hope. Through hope, her strength returned. She ate and left with a smile on her face (while still in the midst of her situation)!

When you are facing situations beyond your control, remember HOPE. Even Zophar, in Job 11:18, states, “And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety.”

If a friend or family member is in a distressful situation, give them hope. Tell them they can be secure in the Lord Jesus Christ by confessing their sins and trusting in Him. Pray for their perseverance to ease the sorrow they are facing during their difficult time.

In Luke 13, Jesus healed a woman who had been sick for 18 years. “She was bent over completely forward and utterly unable to straighten herself up or to look upward.” But she encountered Jesus and was “released from her infirmity . . . all the people rejoiced over all the glorious things that were done by Him.”

The complete verse in Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Amen!!! Keep praying and your longing will be fulfilled in His way in due time.

“For this child I prayed; and the LORD, hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.”

1 Samuel 1:27

Patti Londa Greene, Author

www.PattiGreene.com

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal
(ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study
(ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

Rescue Me



 

I became aware of a new tool today titled Rescue Me. It is a computer tool that gives “an accurate picture of how you spend your time to help you become more productive every day.”  The program (which you pay for) works “by noting how long you spend on your computer.” It monitors how much time you spend browsing certain websites,” i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Fox News, Pinterest.

I am sure it is a very productive tool and can help us see areas where we need to lessen our online time. This would allow us to get busy and going on things that are more beneficial to our goals – if we have some goals.

The Bible is like that too. When we read the Bible and allow God to search our hearts, He will show us what to do and what not to do. And for all those gray areas in-between, the Holy Spirit will enlighten us to his guidance and direction. Then, we won’t need to spend the valuable time He has given us trying to figure out what path to take. He will have already shown us or given us the peace not to fret over the worries and cares of life.

When our life is too busy, too cluttered, and/or we need rescuing, turn to God. He can “rescue us” and get us on the path He has strewn out for us.

That is absolutely amazing when you think about it.

Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 44:26 NIV

Patti Londa Greene, Author

www.PattiGreene.com

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal
(ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study
(ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

 

Saying Goodbye

[Written March 21, 2015]

I just spent the final 30 minutes saying goodbye to my driver Lucky. Today we are leaving our expat assignment in Nigeria to move back to the United States. Yes, almost all expats in Lagos, Nigeria must have drivers for safety reasons. Lucky and I sat in the hotel lobby chatting. I shared how much I appreciated his service and love towards us. You see, Lucky is a believer. He is also a pastor. He was also our driver. We both needed each other for the time we had together. Going above and beyond his job description was Lucky’s forte. He would lay out Christian books and magazines for me to read on the backseat of the car. He would play Christian music for me as we drove around if I requested it. He would answer my deep theological questions. Lucky was not only our driver, but a brother in Christ. He shared that when we first came to Lagos my husband became like a father to him. His father died when he was 10 years old. He had no uncles or cousins to fill his father’s void. Per Lucky, my husband became that father figure to him. Have you ever noticed that it is in the final moments with someone, we tend to share our deepest thoughts? It could be the last minutes before you leave your child at college for the first time, it could be during the mother-son wedding dance, and it could be your final moments with a loved one before they pass away. In our final moments, Lucky and I encouraged each other by expressing our love and gratitude for each other. We both confirmed why God drew our families together. We also agreed that The Lord knows why we are being separated. Our most honest thoughts were shared in this final meeting. Now, let’s look at three of Jesus’ last earthly "cry outs" on earth. What did he share before his earthly separation from the people God created Him to serve and be an example to? First, before Jesus’ arrest, Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, “Eli Eli, lema sabachthani? That is, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Secondly, at his crucifixion, Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:45) Finally, at his death, Jesus called out with a loud voice saying, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Whenever we depart from friends, families, jobs, let’s “pretend” that those moments might be our last moments with them. Let’s use our words wisely and follow Jesus’ example by saying only words and phrases that are heartfelt, meaningful, and Godly.

Patti Londa Greene, Author
www.PattiGreene.com

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal
(ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study
(ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

Sewing and Salvation

A few months ago I blew up my sewing machine. Don’t ask. But, I will say it was my husband’s fault. He didn’t get me the right converter. In fact, he didn’t buy me a converter at all. But, in his defense, he did tell me not to use it until we got the right voltage, but that was 11 months ago! And, I took a chance and after the big BANG, some nice white fluffy smoke shot out of my machine.

Now that I have vented, the end result is that a new sewing machine was birthed out of the blow up! The machine blew up. My husband and I didn’t blow up at each other. He is sweet.

My New Sewing Machine!

 

Moving on . . . Last night and today, I used my new machine for the very first time. It was awesome, sort of. First, a good friend came and showed me the ins and outs of this machine. Piece of cake, I thought. And, it was, until the stitching was pulling from the bobbin color on the other side. So, a call to my friend occurred. Thank goodness for friends. Second, I decided to get fancy and use one of those fancy computerized stitches. Yes, it looked awesome, but do you know how LONG it takes to sew something with those stitches? So, luckily, I was able to just use that stitch on one side and go back to the “fast stich.” But, then, I inadvertently sewed two seams opposite of how they were supposed to be sewn. Oh no, I had to get out that pesky stitch remover (ah, yes, they are called seam rippers) and what a hassle. But, when all was said and done and my project was completed, I was pretty happy. Yes, it didn’t fit quite like I would like it to, but I’m not perfect and I fudged a little on my homemade pattern to avoid more work for myself.

Seam Ripper and Other Sewing Tools

 

Upon completion . . . While it wasn’t my first time to sew, I started to think about how God felt the first time he sewed. In fact, it is the only time we read about God sewing in the entire Bible.

“[Eve] was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.” Genesis 3:6-7.

Later, after God confronts them and explains what will happen, “the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” Genesis 3:21.

I wondered how God felt sewing these clothes for Adam and Eve. First, I am sure he felt extreme sadness that he was even sewing. They sinned and he was grieving. But, he was taking them at their lowest point and helping them to move on. That is God for you.  How do we feel when we sin? Sometimes we have friends to help us out of our sin, depression, uneasiness, or whatever we want to call it. Sometimes, we remain in our sin for a long time – sort of like spending all that time on that fancy stitch that took so long for me. But, we can get out of it quickly, but we must decide to do something else, or go a different direction. But, what happens when we mess up and go in an opposite direction from the Lord. Just like when I sewed two seams together incorrectly. I had to make a decision to undo the error and change directions. It wasn’t easy, but the end result was a peace and joy about my project. In 1 Peter 5:7, the Bible says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” God’s Holy Spirit is waiting to rescue and care for you today.

Do you feel you are going in the wrong direction like Adam and Eve did? Have you committed a grievous sin like they did? God wants to help. Just because your mother or grandmother was a good cook or a good sewer does not mean that you will be one also. Do not think that just because your father or grandfather was a good man who served God regularly and spoke of the joy he will have in heaven that you will automatically go to heaven also. You must make that decision yourself.

The Bible says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23. But, we can choose to ask God to forgive our sins, accept his offer to “sew” us up and make us whole. Today, seek God yourself and you will be “sew” happy you did. Let Him press out the wrinkles of your life and allow Him to make you the beautiful person that you were made to be.



Ironing Board and Iron

Author Patti Londa Greene

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal (ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study (ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

Dealing with a Crisis

 

 

Many country crisis situations occur in Nigeria. One is a crisis going on right now at the Lagos Airport Cargo Terminal. Last week, custom clearing agents, who worked in the cargo section of the Muhammed International Airport, assaulted officials of the Nigeria Customs Service who came for an inspection of their warehouse.

Armored personnel were called in and many were severely injured during this violent clash. The end result was that cargo terminals have been closed while terminal security management figures out how to handle random people entering the cargo area, violence, inadequate national security issues, and how to clear the terminal of “unwanted” elements. The bottom line is that airport security at the terminal needs to be improved, but many are furious that the terminal buildings have been shut affecting  both revenues and companies that have their cargo currently locked up affecting goods purchased for their Christmas sales – including perishable items.  With criminals jumping fences and illegal access to gates that are not policed, this crisis has become a totally chaotic situation.

 

A newspaper article in This Day Live entitled Taming the Crisis at Lagos Airport Cargo Terminal says the main concerns with this crisis are:

-          A Porous Facility

-          An Inadequate Security, and

-          A Lasting Solution

That is exactly what happens in our lives when we are dealing with an unsurmountable crisis that has become chaotic and uncontrollable.  When a crisis reaches that level, we need to check where the holes are, find the full-proof security, and come up with a lasting solution.

 

First, you need to analyze what is coming into your life porously causing the instability and confusion. Are ungodly influences in your life? Have you been involved in any sinful behavior? Are your attitudes towards people or your circumstances entering your mind causing disruption in how you see your crisis? Second, where is your security? Is your solution to the crisis based on Jesus Christ? Have you confessed your sins and placed your security in the arms of your blessed Lord and Savior? Doing this will fill the inadequate security problem in our lives. When Jesus Christ is leading our lives, our security creates stability and assurance that God will take over and handle our problem. Finally, the lasting solution is in trusting God and seeking His will and His way out. It may involve making changes, require apologies, and/or disassociating from undesirable individuals. Reading the Bible and asking God to speak to you about your problem will bring you peace and a lasting solution to your crisis, but you must obey His Word and His leading as it is shown to you.

 

Plugging up the holes that create porosity, finding the appropriate security in Jesus Christ, and trusting that God can provide a long-lasting solution is the means your crisis can be overcome and maintained.

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Author Patti Londa Greene

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal (ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study (ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

Dedicated to my friend Titi!


 

My Friend Tamara: Life, God, Cancer, and Death

Tamara, my good friend passed away this month. She was only 40 years old. Thirteen months earlier she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer that had metastasized to her brain, bones, liver, and stomach. She fought a valiant fight to survive. She did not want to leave her 4 children. I was honored to be asked to speak at her funeral service. I want to share my thoughts on my friend who passed away way before her time. The following are the words I spoke at her funeral service. We all know someone who either has or had cancer; thus this disease affects us all. Please, let me take this opportunity to encourage every women to have their annual mammogram.

The name of the church and the family names have been changed for privacy sake.

 

 



Thank you all for coming to Tamara’s service. My name is Patricia, and Tamara and I were very good friends.­­­­­ Today, I have two “notes” to share with you - one from me and then one from my husband Joe. But, first, I will like to share my remembrances of a lovely lady.

Tamara was a praying woman. She shared with me about how scared she was when she moved to Houston from Pennsylvania. But, she said that her parents always told her to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. She wasn’t going to church, but her mom said, “Tamara, you were raised in church – you need to take the children to church.” Her mom gave her the idea to go to the closest church. That was this church – Fruits Baptist Church. She told me she remembers the pastor saying one day that, “You don’t have to feel lonely!” The next day Tamara she attended a Sunday School Class. She claimed she used to be shy, but she prayed, “God, who can I talk to?” It was in that Sunday School class that she told me once that God provided and it was through that class that she was able to share her life with other people and was where I became friends with Tamara. One day, Tamara  and  I were talking and I said, “Do you have anything special I can pray for you?” She just looked at me in unbelief that I asked her that. I didn’t understand. Then, she proceeded to tell me that I asked her those exact same words after a Sunday School class one day, and those words were the catalyst that started our friendship. Tamara became an active participant in our Saturday mornings fellowship luncheon which we had once a month too.

One day, I saw Tamara the happiest I had ever seen her. You see, in May, 2013, we threw her a surprise 39^th birthday party. And believe me SHE WAS TOTALLY SURPRISED. We had balloons, cards, presents, and birthday cake. We sang happy birthday to her. She was so overwhelmed with love that her joy went from laughter to tears. It was at this party that Tamara shared the story of her life with us. The Holy Spirit filled the home and filled all of our hearts. While she was blessed, I think everyone who attended her birthday party left more filled and inspired than even she was.

 

She shared about how her mom sold tomatoes to help her attend a school where she could learn English. She shared about the beautiful furniture her dad made as a carpenter.  In Tamara’s own words, she said the following about her parents.

 

“My parents raised all of their children to believe in God. My mum taught us that God is the only one you can depend on in life. My dad taught us how to pray for our food and for our sicknesses. My parents raised us well. In Zambia, where most of the people they knew died of AIDS, we had parents that took good care of us. We grew up in bad neighborhoods, but my parents were strict. They were always asking us if we prayed for this or prayed for that.”

 



Tamara loved Skyping with her family in Africa. She used to tell me about how her dad was quiet, but sometimes she would share something with them and they would get so excited praising God and dancing around. One time Tamara was at my house and I told her I prayed for her often. She said, “You do?” Then, I proceeded to show her in my prayer journal how she was on almost every day. In a sneaky Tamara kind of way, she tried to read the lines in my “personal journal.” She wanted to know EXACTLY what I was praying for her.
 

Before she was diagnosed with cancer, I prayed for her peace, for hope, for a place to live, for a job, for a car wreck she was in, for Sunday to get a job, for her children and more. Joe and I’s lives became totally intertwined with the family. One time our son Joseph took Sunday, her oldest son, with him to a park in Houston. They went walking on a path while Joseph taught an exercise class. When the class was over, Joseph couldn’t find Sunday anywhere. After waiting about 2 hours (and having many conversations with Tamara about Sunday’s whereabouts, Joseph called the police. Thursday night must be a low crime night because about 5 patrol cars were out searching for Sunday. Finally, one of the policemen found Sunday around 9 at night (in the dark) in the Bayou near the Beltway. The police picked up Sunday and drove him to Joseph's car quite a few miles away. Tamara and I laughed so hard many times about how Sunday was able to get such special treatment and how he got to ride in a police car and he didn’t even do anything wrong. That is just one example of the laughter we shared on many occasions.
 

Tamara’s love for her children was so strong. If I had to sum up what Tamara felt about each child, it would be this:
 

Victor [5th Grade]: Your mom fell in love with your tender and sweet spirit; keep smiling for her. You are any mom’s dream. Devon [7th Grade] : Your mom was so proud of your musical talent and fun loving spirit; When you play your music, play well for your mom! And remember Luka, your mom thinks you are the best cleaner in the family.
 

Faith [11th Grade]: Your mom was so happy to have a little girl; she was thrilled with your dancing ability and your strong desire to do well in school; keep it up for her, and keep dancing.
 

Sunday [2013 High School Graduate]: What you have done for your family this past year has been unbelievable. You were the man of the house for the three kids; you nurtured them; you made sure they were fed; you saw that all their school papers were signed; you got them to and from school; you took your mom to her doctor appointments; you cared for her. You gave up a year of working and going to school to help your family. You will be blessed. Tamara depended on you and God allowed you the privilege of caring for her through her diagnosis and treatment. You will be blessed. And, your mom DID notice your responsible behavior.

And myself, I have been blessed by knowing Tamara and her family. She taught me how to love unconditionally; she taught me to always be faithful; she taught me so much about the African culture so when I moved to Nigeria 1 ½ years ago, I felt ready to face the challenge. But, one thing she didn’t get around to teaching me (and she kept promising me she would teach me is to how to tie those African scarves around my head) – So, the first thing I will do when I see her in heaven with be to get her to show me that.
 

In conclusion, I would like to share some of Tamara’s words. In May, 2014, Tamara asked me to write this down for her and to keep it and today I would like to share them with you.

These are her exact words written 5 months before her passing.

A Bitter-Sweet Moment

A BITTERSWEET MOMENT

 

Pleasure Alloyed with Pain

by

Patti Londa Greene

 

April 3, 2013 (September 14, 2014 story follows!)

 

 

 

 

 

When I drove up to the house, I saw “the package” on the doorstep. I knew it was the "long-awaited" Fed-Ex package from my publisher CrossBooks. After months and months of working so hard on my first book 'Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal' I just wanted to spend time treasuring and savoring the first glance through my first published book. So, I quickly took the groceries out of the car, and put them on the counter.

 

 

Then, with a skip in my step, I turned the corner to go to the front door to get my “treasured” package. It was then I encountered a horrific scene – a scene so horrific that instantly I felt a big ‘ol Texas pit right in the middle of my abdomen and I found myself immediately doubled over in pain.

 

 

In the hallway, I found that my knick-knack curio shelf had fallen down. And there, shattered in the hallway, was my grandmother’s entire shoe collection, my specially treasured cup and saucer sets given to me by Aunt Mary, and the only treasured gift recently given to me when my Aunt Terry passed away. Along with all those memories were the shoe collection my husband, parents, and children, had given me over the years – cute shoes – gifts I have loved.

Items on this shelf had to be special to make the cut to the shelf. Lovely heirlooms –ALL SHATTERED. I wanted to cry. But, between being shocked and not feeling well, I just found the closest couch and sat down for a few minutes still holding my abdomen.

As I gained composure, I tip-toed over the sacred mess and I opened the door to get the Fed Ex package. The mature, sensible thought that ran briefly through my mind was "out with the old, and in with the new” – basically, the "things happen mentality!"

I stumbled back to the old gray couch with my box in hand. I wasn’t feeling the way I thought I would be when I visualized this moment. It wasn’t even close. After all the hard work on the book, I anticipated a jittery, glow from above, Holy Spirit type moment. Instead, I experienced a dull, flat sensation along with only a slight sliver of anticipation.

When I opened the package, the cover was gorgeous. A smile crossed my face. I browsed though the book, and then decided to take some photos and do a little writing about the conflicting life scenario I just encountered.

 

 

On the one hand, I am experiencing sadness, but then on the other hand, I am experiencing happiness. Honestly though - right now I don't think I have the strength to clean up and sift through the memory mess. Maybe one or two or even three memories will make the cut as to remaining an heirloom. I hope so.

I think I am in the midst of what people call a "bittersweet" moment! I am not sure I have had such a vivid, contrasting dichotomy packed in such a short period of time before.

 

 

I don’t have a bucket list. But, if I did, I would be crossing off “bittersweet moment” now. But, since no such list exists, I think I should go and put my groceries away, take a nap, and sort through the rubble later.

Who knows maybe GOD just wrote my first blog. He is good, isn't He?

September 14^th, 2014

For almost a year and a half, I kept all my broken pieces in a nice, little gift bag. I put the bag on the same bookshelf that I keep my most treasured stack of Shutterfly memory albums. But, one day, I was browsing my neighborhood’s newly created site that post things for sale, and low and behold I saw an ad that intrigued me.

 

A lady named "Mary" was offering to make designer crosses for people.

I promptly contacted Mary to see if she had ever made crosses using china pieces. She hadn’t, but she said she would try. And try she did. She worked meticulously creating a cross to preserve my family memories. I really had no idea what to expect. And, Mary admitted that she was a little nervous and worried that  I might not like what she had done.

But yesterday, I was working at a craft fair in Cy-Fair where she brought me a box with my cross in it. Mary had wrapped the cross in some beautiful purplish-violet tissue paper. As I contemplated pushing the tissue paper aside, I pre-decided to act excited no matter what because I did not want to hurt Mary’s feelings. I was very apprehensive, but hopeful.

 

 

 

But, WOW! As soon as I saw Mary’s creation, I loved it. I started pointing out things, i.e. “This was my Aunt Mary’s dish.” “This was my grandmother Jess’ shoe. It just brought back so many fond memories of people that the Lord had placed in my life over the years.

While I am only talking about broken china and glass memory pieces, sometimes our lives take an unexpected turn, i.e. a tragic event occurs, our health deteriorates, or our family breaks up. When these things happen, it is time to reflect and discern what to do next. It may mean “sitting on a shelf” for a while; it may mean actively rearranging your spiritual life; or it may mean deciding to do the next best thing.

Mary took my broken memories and eventually turned them into a beautiful mosaic cross. God will take the shattered and sharp pieces of our lives and mold them and us into a beautiful creation if we allow Him to. It may take time, but don't throw away or despise your life experiences. Let God take whatever they are and allow Him to mold you through those experiences into the person He wants you to be.

Now, I can not only look back and be grateful, but I can also  look forward and trust that the next time I feel broken and shattered, like my knick-knack pieces, I can trust that the Lord sees the big picture and that in His time, those pieces can be molded together to make something beautiful for His purpose.

Thanks Mary for letting God use you to bless me!

If you have any jewelry or cross needs, let Mary know. She is awesome. You can contact her below or see some of her wares at her Etsy Store DEJAVU143!

 

The LORD gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there." So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the LORD gave me this message: "O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 (New Living Translation)

www.PattiGreene.com - Join my FB Page!

Author of Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal by Patti Londa Greene (ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6)

Author of God, It's Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study by Patti Londa Greene (ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2)

Link to purchase either book on Amazon!