“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?" ~Romans 9:20-21

“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 9:20-21

This question is as old as the dawn of time. Or perhaps, since sin entered the world. It is the pity-party that we all attend at one time or another. “Why am I like this?” Some take drastic steps to change their physical appearance while others spend hours on the proverbial couch searching for answers to their inward thoughts. Self-help books and gym memberships are at their all-time high (these can be good things and often motivated by the Holy Spirit).

But when we get in the business of comparing ourselves to others and jump on the downward spiral of “it’s not fair”, we become part of the audience to which this scripture was addressed. Paul wants us to realize that first of all, we have no control over who God made us to be. And more importantly, perhaps His plan is to use our particular ‘thorns’ further His kingdom.

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. SOMEONE had be that person. But look how the mercy of God will be revealed and praised when God has mercy on him. Paul is another great example - he had been the murderer of Christians, yet God transformed him to become the greatest builder and expander of the church. The car accident that crushed my leg has led to more friendships than I can count. I have friends who struggle with money and health continually, yet they have a joy that is only because of Jesus.

“For our present trouble, which is only for a short time, is working out for us a much greater weight of glory” ~2 Corinthians 4:17

“For everything created by God is good” ~1 Timothy 4:4a

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but others of wood and earth, and some which are honoured and some without honour. If a man makes himself clean from these, he will be a vessel for honour, made holy, ready for the master's use, ready for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 2:20-21