Many have been led to believe that in order to be used by God, you must be flawless—without cracks, without scars, without the weight of past failures. But what if I told you that your brokenness does not disqualify you? What if the very cracks you try to hide are the places where God’s grace shines through the most?
Often times, we may feel too weak, too damaged, or too inadequate to carry the purpose God has for us. We question our worth, our abilities, and whether we can truly sustain what He has entrusted to us. But the truth is, God never asks us to be perfect—He only asks us to be willing.
In this blog, we will view the story of an imperfect vessel—one that was once discarded in life, but now chosen by God. A vessel that doubts its own capacity but learns that true strength is not found in its own perfection, but in the hands of the One who formed it. If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s calling, this story is for you. You are not too broken to be used. You are not too weak to carry His purpose. You are a chosen vessel, ready to be chosen and made useful by the Potter’s hands.
“Your perfection is not in your strength, but in His hands that
continue to shape and restore you."
The Chosen Vessel: Embracing Purpose Despite Imperfection
In a small village, there lived a humble potter known for crafting beautiful vessels. His hands shaped clay with such precision that his creations were sought after far and wide. One day, while searching for fresh clay by the river, the potter came across an old, discarded vessel. Its surface was cracked, and holes marred its sides. The villagers had long abandoned it, deeming it unfit for any use.
But the potter, with eyes that saw beyond the imperfections, picked up the vessel and carried it home. His apprentice watched in disbelief and asked, "Master, why would you choose such a broken vessel when you can easily create a new one?"
The potter smiled gently and replied, "This vessel has a story. Though it is cracked and full of holes, I see its purpose. It may be broken, but in my hands, it can be made whole again."
Day after day, the potter placed the vessel on his wheel, mending the cracks and patching the holes. He didn’t rush the process. With each turn of the wheel, he carefully strengthened its weak points. Even so, some scars remained visible. The apprentice, curious as ever, asked, "Why do you leave the marks? Can’t you make it flawless?"
The potter answered, "Its scars tell a story of redemption. Perfection in my work is not about flawlessness but about purpose. This vessel, though not perfect in the eyes of the world, will be perfect for my use."
Soon, the vessel was put to the test. It carried water for the potter’s household, its once cracked walls now holding firm. Each time the vessel was used, the potter inspected it and repaired any new breaches. With every use, the vessel became stronger, more reliable.
Word spread throughout the village about this vessel. Some marveled at how the once broken and forgotten piece had become one of the potter’s most trusted tools. Others, still skeptical, questioned why the potter would continue to use something so flawed. The potter simply said, "I chose it. It serves my purpose. Its strength is not in its perfection but in my hands that continue to shape and restore it."
As time went on, the villagers began to understand. The vessel became a symbol of hope for those who felt broken or unworthy. They saw how the potter’s constant care and patience made it fit for a higher purpose, despite its imperfections. The cracks and holes that once marked the vessel became a testimony to the potter’s skill. It was no longer seen as a discarded, useless piece but as a chosen vessel, made perfect for the potter's use.
In the same way, the Creator looks at those of us who feel broken or flawed. He continually reminds us that we are His chosen vessels. Though you have cracks and imperfections, in His hands, you will be made whole, not because of your perfection, but because of His purpose for you.
Scripture of Reflection: Romans 9:21
Continue to share with us in our journey of purpose.
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