The sun had just begun to rise, casting soft orange and pink hues across the sky. A potter sat at his wheel, his hands covered in clay. His eyes were focused, his movements deliberate. With each gentle push and pull, the once shapeless lump of clay slowly took form. It wasn’t perfect, not yet. There were dents and ridges and at one point, it even seemed to collapse. But the potter didn’t throw it away. Instead, he added water, reshaped it, and continued molding it with patience and care.
Doesn’t that feel like life sometimes? We’re on the wheel, being shaped and reshaped. It’s messy. It’s slow and sometimes, it feels like everything is falling apart. But here’s the good news: the Potter never gives up on the clay.
Life isn’t about being flawless or complete. It’s about trusting God’s steady hands to mold us into something beautiful, even when we can’t see the final shape. Our flaws and weaknesses aren’t signs of failure, they’re evidence that we’re still being formed.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Our flaws aren’t obstacles to our purpose; they are conduits for God’s grace and power.
Society may push the idea that flaws must be hidden or “fixed,” but in God’s eyes, they are part of the masterpiece. Like clay in the hands of the potter (Jeremiah 18:6), we are still being formed. The process may seem messy, but the Potter knows exactly what He is doing.
When we embrace our flaws, we no longer live under the weight of perfectionism. Instead, we live in the freedom of God’s grace. This mindset shift allows us to be patient with ourselves, extending the same grace to others. The flaws that once made us feel disqualified become testimonies of God’s redemptive power.
Have you ever seen an artist paint a portrait? In the early stages, it’s hard to tell what it will become. It looks rough, unfinished and even confusing. But the artist has a vision and with each stroke, the picture becomes clearer. This is how God works in our lives.
Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that God’s work in our lives is ongoing. We’re not supposed to have everything figured out. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Like a sculptor chiseling away at marble, God’s process in our lives takes time. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s slow. But every chip and every cut serves a purpose. We may not see the final image yet, but God does. This should give us confidence and patience with ourselves. It’s okay to be “in progress.”
Consider King David. He was anointed as king long before he took the throne. Between his anointing and his reign, he faced battles, betrayal, and personal failure. Yet, God’s hand remained on him throughout the journey. Our journey is no different. Delays aren’t denials, and setbacks aren’t evidence that we’ve been forgotten. We are simply being refined.
When we stop pretending to have it all together, we invite others to see the God who holds us together. Our transparency becomes a testimony. People are drawn to authenticity, not perfection. They want to know how we endure struggles, how we hold on to faith amid uncertainty. When we testify about God’s goodness in our unfinished state, His name is glorified.
So what do we do with this knowledge? We surrender. We surrender the need to be “done,” the desire for perfection, and the illusion of having it all figured out. We rest in the hands of the Potter, trusting that He’s working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Here are a few practical ways to live out the beauty of being unfinished:
Practice Self-Compassion: When you fall short, remember God’s grace. Speak to yourself as you would a friend.
Acknowledge Your Growth: Take time to reflect on where you’ve grown. Progress is still progress.
Be Transparent: Share your struggles with trusted people. Vulnerability allows God’s light to shine through you.
Trust the Process: Even when life feels uncertain, trust that God is still working. Remember, “He’s not finished with me yet.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for being the Potter and for molding me into a vessel for Your glory. Thank You for loving me in my unfinished state and for reminding me that Your grace is sufficient. Lord, I surrender my desire for perfection and lay down my insecurities. Help me to embrace my flaws, trust Your process, and be patient with myself. Let Your light shine through my weaknesses so that others may see Your power in me. I trust that You will complete the good work You have started in me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
The beauty of being unfinished is that we are living testimonies of God’s grace, power, and love. Our flaws are not final; they are formative. As we trust the Potter’s process, we experience the peace of knowing that God is working in us, through us, and for us. So, if you ever feel like you’re “not enough,” remember that you are clay in the hands of the Master Potter. And that, in itself, is a beautiful place to be.
