Scripture
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8
A Story of Lost Momentum
Recently, I sat with a man I’ll call Jim, and his wife, in their home. A once-strong and independent man, Jim is now confined by a debilitating disease. Through tears, his wife whispered,
“We have always had momentum. Always. Now, we only have moments and no momentum.”
I had no polished words in response. All I could offer was my hand—and somehow, that simple act brought her hope.
Jim looked at me and said, “You can’t do much for me. My last chapter is already being written. But if you can give the love of my life some peace, I’ll be grateful forever.”
Two hours later, after laughter, tears, and shared stories, I realized I was the one who left with momentum—because what they had given me was perspective, faith, and hope.
The Rhythm of Faith
Abraham didn’t keep momentum by sheer willpower or strength. His faith was the rhythm that carried him: “He was fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:21).
Like Abraham, we are reminded that when life stalls, God creates. He spoke light into a formless void in Genesis 1, and He can speak hope into the voids of our lives too.
The Roots of Hope
When momentum is lost—when jobs disappear, relationships break, or health declines—what holds us? Roots.
Isaiah gives us the image of clay in the Potter’s hands. That means we don’t bring strength, solutions, or control. We bring surrender. And God, the Creator, is perfectly capable of shaping something new out of nothing.
Living a Formed Life
To live a formed life is to practice both rhythm and roots:
- Rhythm: daily trust in God when circumstances don’t make sense.
- Roots: deep faith in His promises, even when all we feel is emptiness.
As Peter writes: “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).
Prayer
Lord, when momentum fades, remind me that You are the Creator. Root me in Your promises. Shape me in Your hands. Give me rhythm in trust and roots in faith, for You are my everything. Amen.
3–5 Day Devotional Series
Day 1: When Momentum Fades
- Scripture: Romans 4:21
- Reflection: Momentum can vanish in an instant. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is not momentum in ourselves but trust in God’s promises.
- Practice: Write down one area where momentum feels lost in your life. Ask God to meet you in that place.
Day 2: The God Who Creates from Nothing
- Scripture: Genesis 1:1–2
- Reflection: God spoke light into the void. He is not afraid of emptiness—He works through it.
- Practice: Spend five minutes in silence, naming your “void” before God, and invite Him to speak into it.
Day 3: Clay in the Potter’s Hands
- Scripture: Isaiah 64:8
- Reflection: Being formed means surrendering control. God doesn’t ask for strength—He asks for trust.
- Practice: Pray: “God, I am clay in Your hands. Shape me as You will.”
Day 4: Faith Revealed in the Rubble
- Scripture: 1 Peter 4:19
- Reflection: True faith isn’t shown when life is easy, but when everything feels broken.
- Practice: Reflect on a past “rubble moment.” How did God show up? Journal your gratitude.
Day 5: Hope as Momentum
- Scripture: Romans 15:13
- Reflection: Hope is not passive—it moves us forward. It is the truest momentum we have and should pursue.