Think of a piece of dry, hardened clay sitting on a potter's wheel. In its cold, rigid state, the potter cannot shape or mold it into a beautiful, useful vessel. But when the clay is softened, moistened, and yields readily to the craftsman's hands, the potter can smooth out the rough edges and fashion it into something remarkable. For years, our hearts were hardened by addiction, resentment, and self-defense—like stone cold clay. Becoming entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character is an attitude of total surrender; it is standing before God with open hands and saying, "I am tired of my old ways, and I am ready for You to change me." When we yield our stubbornness to Him, He removes our heart of stone and creates something brand new within us. | 
