Embracing Change: God's Transformative Journey for Us

Summary

Change is the one constant in our lives, woven into the very fabric of creation by God, the Divine Potter. Just as clay is shaped and reshaped on the potter’s wheel, we are continually being formed and reformed by God’s loving hands. This is not something to fear, but to embrace, for we were made for change—created to be moldable, adaptable, and open to new purposes as we journey through life. The playful image of Play-Doh and the story of Gumby remind us that flexibility and openness to transformation are not only possible, but essential for spiritual growth and discipleship.

Throughout history, God’s people have often resisted change, longing for stability and sameness, even as God calls us to be transformed. The prophet Jeremiah witnessed his people turning away from God, clinging to their own ways, and yet God’s response was not to discard them, but to reshape them—again and again—when they turned back in repentance. This is the good news: no matter how many times we falter, God is always ready to start anew with us, using the same “clay” of our lives to form something beautiful and purposeful.

Change is not just about external circumstances, but about the deep work God does within us. Through prayer, worship, and community, we are invited to be continually re-formed into the image of Christ. Our brains, our hearts, and our spirits are capable of new growth at every stage of life. Even when we feel broken or lost, God’s hands are gentle and persistent, shaping us for new seasons and new callings.

As we reflect on what we believe and how we live, we are challenged to let go of the desire for God or others to change for our comfort, and instead to open ourselves to the transformation God desires in us. This is the path of discipleship: to walk toward God, to be flexible, to trust that God’s plans for us are good, and to allow ourselves to be reshaped for God’s purposes in the world. In this, we find hope, renewal, and the joy of being part of God’s ongoing creation.

Key Takeaways

- Embracing Change as God’s Design
God created us to be moldable, like clay in the hands of a potter. Change is not a threat to our identity, but a sign of God’s ongoing creative work in us. When we resist change, we may miss out on the new purposes and growth God has in store. Trusting the Divine Potter means allowing ourselves to be reshaped, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. [26:45]

- Repentance: The Doorway to New Beginnings
God’s willingness to reshape us is not about discarding what is broken, but about starting anew with the same material—our lives. Repentance is the turning point that allows God to begin this work again, no matter how far we have wandered. This truth brings hope to all who feel they have failed or lost their way: God is always ready to begin again with us, offering new purpose and direction. [38:07]

- The Illusion of Stability and the Reality of Transformation
We often seek homeostasis—stability and sameness—believing it will bring us peace. Yet, even in biological and spiritual life, true balance is maintained through constant adjustment and transformation. God calls us not to cling to the past or to comfort, but to trust that ongoing change is the way we are sustained and renewed. [30:56]

- Discipleship as a Journey of Continual Re-Formation
Following Jesus is not about being “good” by static standards, but about walking the right path and being willing to change direction as God leads. Like a pilgrimage, what matters is not perfection, but orientation—are we moving toward God, open to being shaped by God’s wisdom and love? This journey requires humility, flexibility, and a willingness to let go of old purposes for new ones. [39:38]

- Community and Spiritual Growth in a Changing World
The church is a community of people who are being shaped and reshaped together. In a world where change is rapid and sometimes disorienting, we need each other to discern God’s purposes and to encourage one another in faith. Our willingness to adapt, to share our stories, and to invite others into this journey is part of how God’s kingdom is built here and now. [41:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:14] - Opening Prayer and Series Introduction
[16:43] - Children’s Time: Gumby and Change
[21:38] - Claymation, Gumby, and the Nature of Change
[26:45] - Created for Change: Recreation and Spiritual Growth
[27:55] - Change in Creation and Human Life
[29:14] - Technology, AI, and the Acceleration of Change
[30:56] - Homeostasis, Neuroplasticity, and Spiritual Growth
[35:43] - Jeremiah and the Potter’s Wheel
[38:07] - Repentance and New Beginnings
[39:38] - Pilgrimage, Faithfulness, and the Right Path
[41:16] - Flexibility, Church Change, and Sharing Faith
[42:37] - What Do You Believe? A Personal Creed
[46:46] - Play-Doh Contemplation: Old and New Purposes
[54:50] - Prayers, Communion, and Offering
[01:11:29] - Announcements and Community Life
[01:15:11] - Blessing: Made for Change

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Made for Change

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### Bible Reading

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NRSV)
_The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”_

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story from Jeremiah, what does the potter do when the clay vessel is spoiled? What does this show us about God’s approach to our mistakes?
[[35:43]]

2. According to the sermon, what are some ways we see change happening in creation and in our own lives?
[[26:45]]

3. What is “homeostasis,” and how does the sermon say it relates to change in our lives and faith?
[[30:56]]

4. What playful images did the pastor use to help us understand being flexible and open to change?
[[21:38]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God uses the image of a potter and clay to describe our relationship with Him? What does this say about God’s patience and intentions for us?
[[35:43]]

2. The sermon says that God doesn’t throw away what is broken, but reshapes it. How does this idea challenge the way people sometimes view failure or starting over?
[[38:07]]

3. The pastor mentioned that we often want God or others to change for our comfort, but God calls us to be the ones who change. Why is this a hard truth for us to accept?
[[30:56]]

4. How does the idea of discipleship as a journey, rather than a fixed state of “being good,” change the way we think about following Jesus?
[[39:38]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about being “moldable” and open to new purposes. Is there an area of your life right now where you sense God might be inviting you to change or be reshaped? What would it look like to say “yes” to that?
[[26:45]]

2. When have you found yourself resisting change, either in your personal life or in your faith? What was behind that resistance, and what helped you move forward (or what could help you now)?
[[30:56]]

3. The pastor described repentance as the doorway to new beginnings. Is there something in your life that needs a fresh start? What would it mean for you to “turn toward God” in that area?
[[38:07]]

4. Think about a time when you felt “broken” or lost. How did God’s gentle and persistent hands shape you during that season? Or, if you’re in that place now, what would it mean to trust God as the Potter?
[[35:43]]

5. The sermon used Play-Doh and Gumby as reminders to stay flexible. What is one practical way you can practice spiritual flexibility this week—maybe by trying something new, letting go of an old habit, or being open to a new role?
[[21:38]]

6. The pastor said that the church is a community being shaped and reshaped together. How can you encourage someone else in your group or church who is going through a season of change?
[[41:16]]

7. The message challenged us to reflect on what we believe and to be able to say it out loud. If you had to write a short “creed” or statement of faith today, what would you include? How might your beliefs be changing or growing?
[[42:37]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts, courage to embrace change, and trust in God’s loving hands as the Potter. Consider closing by inviting each person to name one area where they want to be more flexible or open to God’s shaping this week.

Devotional

Day 1: God the Potter: We Are Moldable and Meant for Change
Just as a potter shapes and reshapes clay, God continually forms us throughout our lives, inviting us to embrace change as a natural and necessary part of spiritual growth. No matter how many times we feel misshapen or off course, God does not discard us but patiently works with us, offering new beginnings and fresh purposes. Our lives, like clay, are not meant to remain static; we are created to be flexible, to be reformed, and to discover new callings as we journey with God. When we turn toward God, even after mistakes or seasons of apathy, we find that God is always ready to reshape us for good. [36:47]

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (ESV)
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to let go of old patterns or purposes so that He can reshape you for something new?


Day 2: Change Is the Only Constant—And God Is With Us in It
Change is woven into the fabric of creation, from shifting seasons to the evolving circumstances of our lives, and God designed us to adapt and grow through it all. Even as we long for stability, true balance comes not from resisting change but from allowing God to guide our continual transformation. Our ability to learn, to heal, and to become more like Christ is rooted in this God-given capacity for change, and we are never alone in the process—God remains steadfast, shaping us with love and wisdom. [30:56]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 6-7 (ESV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; ... a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are resisting change, and how might you invite God to help you embrace it as part of your spiritual growth?


Day 3: Repentance: The Doorway to New Beginnings
God’s willingness to reshape us is not about discarding what is broken, but about offering us the chance to turn back, to repent, and to begin again with the same clay—our very selves. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning toward God, allowing Him to redirect our path and renew our purpose. No matter how far we have wandered or how many times we have failed, God’s grace is always available, ready to start anew and bring forth something beautiful from our lives. [38:07]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.

Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you need to turn back to God and allow Him to begin something new in you today?


Day 4: Following Jesus Means Embracing Change and Growth
To follow Jesus is to accept that discipleship is a journey of continual transformation—learning to love as God loves, to grow in faith, and to be open to new directions. Jesus calls us not to remain as we are, but to be reshaped again and again, deepening our hearts and renewing our purpose as we walk with Him. This path is not about perfection but about willingness to be led, to be changed, and to trust that God’s Spirit is always at work within us. [22:42]

Matthew 4:19-20 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to follow Jesus into a new area of growth or service?


Day 5: Declaring What You Believe—Letting Faith Shape Your Purpose
Naming and sharing what you believe grounds you in God’s truth and opens you to the Spirit’s reshaping work in your life. When you speak your faith aloud—whether through ancient creeds or your own words—you claim your identity as one shaped by God, connected to Christ, and called to a purpose beyond yourself. This act of declaration not only strengthens your own faith but invites others to see the hope and transformation God is working in you. [42:37]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Reflection: How could you express your core beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to someone this week—either in conversation or in writing?

Quotes

If we're going to follow Jesus, we have to change to follow. If we're going to live a life of discipleship, we have to change to live that life of discipleship. If we're going to love like God loves, we have to change to love like God loves. So, discipleship is about change. If we're going to love like God loves, we have to change. [00:23:42] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

So you could say that God designed us for stability for sameness except that maybe homeostasis really is not the opposite of change because in homeostasis there's constant adjustments to maintain that balance if the internal fluid goes down the body brings in more fluid to maintain that balance so in order to hold homeostasis we have to constantly change and then there's neuroplasticity which science neuroscientists call about that ability to reshape our thinking and our behavior by literally rewiring our brain to build new neural connections that's what makes learning possible throughout our lives that's what makes spiritual growth possible that's how adults learn to play the piano and learn new languages and how adults who have never had to deal with technology can pick up a smartphone and figure it out so change is constant the other constant is god but god molds us and shapes us we change but god remains the same. [00:31:46] (76 seconds) Edit Clip

Over and over in scripture people get this backwards they want to stay the same and they want god to change god to change god to change the world god to change others but they want to stay the same and then god reminds them nope you change i stay the same we get it backwards too we want god to change we want the world to change we want others to change we want others to change but we're the ones who need to change. [00:33:02] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

It's actually fundamental to our understanding of how prayer works prayer is not as convincing god to make a change that god wasn't intending to do instead in prayer god changes us that through that connection with god we are fashioned more and more like god. [00:33:35] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

God has made plans for each one of us and given us gifts and strength and abilities and purpose. God has given each one of us this little piece of God's mission of building the kingdom of heaven right here and right now. [00:37:51] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

God told Jeremiah the difference between starting over and throwing away is repentance. And that is super good news for everyone of us who screw up and mess up and get off on the wrong path and get apathetic and stop going to church, that God is always there, always there, ready for repentance. [00:38:07] (32 seconds) Edit Clip

There's a lot of things can go wrong with our lives. We can get, like, we don't realize the path went that way, and we can go this way. And for potters, rather than persisting with malformed pottery, you just start over. You reshape it. It's not a big deal. We were created for the same kind of change. If we get off on the wrong path, or we accidentally go the wrong way, or intentionally go the wrong way, no worries. Get on the right path, turn the right way, off you go. It's not huge, and it's not complicated. [00:40:37] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

And it used to be that talking about God was offensive to others. And today, while most people are not looking for a church, they also say they are not the least bit bothered by people talking about their own faith, or they're not bothered about being invited to church. And that's a change. If you grew up, you probably knew it's polite to not talk about your faith to people. But things have changed. And talking about our faith is different, and that is a good change. [00:42:16] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

Remember that you were made for change to thrive. So go into the world with the blessing that the potter God is still shaping and reshaping you as you were made to do. That the teacher Jesus is inviting you to a change, to a deepening of heart, and that the adventurer spirit is luring you to more play and curiosity in life. Go in peace. Stay encouraged. Amen. Amen. [01:16:54] (46 seconds) Edit Clip