In His Word, God compares Himself to a potter and His people to clay. His work is to mold and shape them in His likeness. The lesson we must learn is submission. The self must not become preeminent. If due attention is given to divine instruction, if the self is surrendered to the divine will, the Potter's hand will produce a well-formed vessel. — Letter 78, 1901.

The excellence of a true union with Christ will come with obedience to the words: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. …” Matthew 11:29. The worker who has this experience will have an intense longing to know the fullness of love that surpasses understanding. Their capacity to enjoy God's love will constantly grow. Learning daily in the school of Christ, they will have an ever-increasing capacity to understand the meaning of the sublime truths that reach into eternity. …

They recognize that they are material with which God is working, and that they must be passive in the Master's hands. Trials will come, for unless they are tested by trials and disappointments, they will never feel their lack of wisdom and experience.

If they seek the Lord with humility and trust, every trial will produce good. They may sometimes feel they have failed, but their supposed failure means better self-knowledge and firmer trust in God. … They may make mistakes, but they will learn not to repeat them. United with Christ, the True Vine, they are enabled to bear fruit for God's glory. …

The Lord desires us to be meek, humble, and contrite, yet possessed of the certainty that comes from a knowledge of God's will. He “did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. … who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:7, 9. — Manuscript 121, 1902.

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; and we are all the work of Your hands.” Isaiah 64:8.

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