I went with Linda to her church this morning. The speaker was a missionary from Texas. He is also a talented potter. He spoke about God as the potter, using pressure to form and shape our lives, while also demonstrating the process using his potter's wheel. It was fascinating watching him as he skillfully worked the clay, all the while referring to God's similar process in our lives.

I'll use some photos I found on the internet to illustrate some of his points.
As the potter must pound the clay to prepare it for the potter's wheel, God uses pressure in our lives to teach us and mold us. Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a life without troubles. On the contrary God says that in this world we will have trouble, but praise God--He has overcome the world! (John 16:33)
The clay pot even now has a form, but it cannot yet be used for anything. If you put it in the kiln now to be fired, it is too dense and would explode. It is the same with us. God cannot use us when we are too full of ourselves. We must make room for Him and in doing so, our purpose will begin to be carved out.
As we grow, we learn to make more and more room for Him. This is just as John the Baptist declared, "He must become greater; I must become less." Eventually this clay pot will have more room on the inside than there is clay on the outside. When pressure comes from the outside, God is there inside us to keep us from caving in.
Throughout our lives, God trims things away. He doesn't want us to become dependent on the things of this world. Instead we must learn to rely on Him.
God has the ability to change us very quickly. He is constantly stretching us as He fulfills His purpose in and through us. (I really feel that now as I am settling into my assignment here with FHS!)

Below is one of the bowls I bought from the speaker. The proceeds benefit Community Hope School in Katutura, a ministry of YWAM Africa Teachers for Africa. (Click the link for more info.) I have always wanted clay bowls like these! The price was excellent, especially considering that it goes towards a great cause. I just couldn't pass them up. ;)