In Japan, kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery. The result is stunning. Something that most people discard is made into something that everyone would be proud to display.
In Jeremiah 18, God tells Israel that they are the clay and He is the potter. That theme is repeated throughout the Bible.
Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
Ironically, halfway through writing this article I broke a clay mug and platter (by accident). I had a mess to clean up! I am no master at kintsugi so both were trashed. If I had attempted anything, it would not look like the beautiful bowl in the picture. It takes a master to know how to do this just right.
Maybe you feel like you are broken and have tried to self-medicate yourself with addictions and distractions. I know I have. As I have waded out to the deep waters with God, the addiction chains have dropped. The people who pulled me away from God are gone and the new people in my life love God and encourage me to love God too. Now that He has my attention, He can finally use me.
As I realize He is my potter and I am the clay, I trust that what He is forming is going to be good. I had to smash myself with all my harshness and pride and say to God, “I’m yours. Please make me into something better than I am.”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
God changed me. He can change you too. He specializes in putting broken pieces together. He doesn’t require any special talent on your part, just your willingness. The new, improved you is something way more beautiful than the bowl above. What were your weaknesses become your strengths. For example, hurt people are quick to reach out to hurting people. Your flaw becomes healed and you can teach others how to receive healing.
Following Jesus 