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    Home » Family Encouragement

    The Teacup Story

    Published: Sep 23, 2013 · Modified: Dec 1, 2022 by Candi Elm

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    Teacup with hand holding on.

    Enjoy this encouraging teacup parable called The Teacup Story. This story will give you a sense of your real value and worth, despite any flaws. Receive the teacup story printable below to print for your personal use or use in your tea ministry.

    The author is unknown and the bible verse that correlates with this story is Jeremiah 18:6b  “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” If you want other ideas for tea parties, visit my Afternoon teatime page.


    A white teacup with tea on a table
    The Teacup Story

    Get Your Free Teacup Story Printable Below

     

    Do you struggle with your identity?

    Let me send you a FREE TEACUP STORY printable. This story will share your real value and worth, despite our flaws along with weekly encouragement, recipes and afternoon tea tips.   

    Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

    When I owned Teacups of Kindness (a teahouse), this wonderful Teacup story was posted on my website and we gave it to guests that came for tea. I have always loved this parable and wanted to share it again.

    Encouraging Teacup Devotional

    There was a couple that used to go to England to shop in beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery, especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in a beautiful shop they saw an exquisite teacup. They asked the clerk, “May we see that? we’ve never seen one quite so lovely.”

    As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke. “you don’t understand,” it said. “I haven’t always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red, and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over, and I yelled out, ‘let me alone,’ but, he only smiled and said, ‘Not yet.’ Then I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly spun around, and around, and around. Stop it! I’m getting dizzy!’ I screamed.

    If you are also looking for more encouraging printable scripture cards read this article.

    The Master Is At Work In You

    “But the master only nodded and said, ‘Not yet’. then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked on the door. I could see him through the opening, and I could read his lips, as he shook his head, “Not yet.”

    “Finally the door opened, he put me on a shelf, and I began to cool. ‘There that’s better’, I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. ‘Stop it, stop it!’ I cried. He only nodded, ‘Not yet.’ Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot, and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded.

    I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head and saying, ‘Not yet.’

    “Then I knew there wasn’t any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened, and he took me out and placed me on a shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, ‘Look at yourself.’ And I did. I said, ‘That’s not me, that couldn’t be me. It’s beautiful. I’m beautiful.’

    “I want you to remember, then, he said, ‘I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you’d have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked.

    “I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'”

    Teacup Prayer

    MORAL: God knows what He is doing for all of us. He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

    The Teacup Story a red and white teacup and saucer

    Please Share This Article:

    I hope you enjoy this Teacup Story as much as I do. If you like it you can sign up in the big blue box above and download it for free and please share this article on Facebook and Pinterest.

    The next time you have a tea party, you could read the potter and the clay story and it would be a great ending to your event.

    Jeremiah 18:1-6 Verse

    The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I shall announce My words to you.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel.

    But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NASB)

    Find other ways to encourage someone who has lost a loved one.

    Teacup with hand on a shelf with free Printable story.

    *This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I get a small commission. Please see my disclosure policy for details

    If you enjoyed The Teacup Story, you may like these inspirational items.

    Get the upgraded and New Printable Version that is frameable along with the coordinating scripture cards for table favors here.

    Make sure you stop by my Amazon shop for my favorite Tea Items

    More Family Encouragement

    • What is a Tea Ministry?
    • Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
    • Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas
    • Spring Daily Gratitude Printable

    Afternoon Tea Party Ideas, Family Encouragement Poem, scriptures

    About Candi Elm

    Candi Elm is a wife and mom who shares how you can simply create a sweet life with weekly encouragement, recipes, household budgeting, and organizing tips. She currently lives in Southern California while blogging, baking, and living life to the fullest.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carole says

      January 31, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      Love this story, Candi! The next time I have a tea party, I'll be sure to read it to my guests!
      My recent post Garlic Rib-eye Roast

      Reply
      • Candi says

        February 03, 2014 at 12:44 am

        Thanks for stopping by. I find it a cute story to read and I usually get a good response.

        Reply
        • Joyce says

          May 03, 2019 at 4:59 am

          Hi can do, I know this is 2019, but tomorrow our ladies ministry is having a “Tea With The King” is our theme, and I will be reading the Tea Cup Story, when I found this on Pinterest, it spoke loudly and clear to me as I was struggling with a situation, thank you for sharing. May God bless you.

          Reply
    2. Cindy Howell says

      February 17, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
      My recent post Simple Educational Activities: Money

      Reply
      • Candi says

        February 17, 2014 at 11:31 pm

        your welcome, thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
        • Wendi says

          August 17, 2019 at 12:50 pm

          Oh my Heavens what an awesome story! This touched my heart so much. Sometimes we feel just like this teacup and it’s all for making us strong to hold! I love this so much! Thank You

          Reply
    3. @juliejordanscot says

      March 15, 2014 at 6:59 pm

      This is such a fantastic story. All tea cups have stories – don't they? I actually tell family story and history stories and encourage the women I have tea with to celebrate traditions about tea. So lovely!

      Reply
    4. Kathy says

      November 01, 2017 at 11:10 am

      Thank you for sharing this story. As a believer in the Lord and retired minister I am clay being processed into His woman! On Nov 7, my church women’s group will hear this story while we are enjoying fellowship over a cup of tea.
      God bless you

      Reply
    5. Hazel Wallace says

      December 27, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      I’ve registered and I have not been successful in finding the printable version of the Tea Cup Story. I’m hosting a Tea Event tomorrow and would love to have a printable copy to share with the ladies group. I found the story to be very inspirational

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        December 29, 2017 at 7:41 am

        Were you able to get the printable? It should have been a download right after you clicked the button. If not I can resend.

        Reply
        • Sue says

          February 12, 2018 at 5:52 pm

          Signed up, how do I print the story? Wanted to use it at my tea party on Thursday.

          Reply
        • Margaret says

          May 14, 2018 at 11:01 am

          I signed up for the newsletter but didn’t get the printable. Can you send me info on how to print?

          Reply
          • Deb says

            October 21, 2018 at 8:12 pm

            Yes, I tried to print it as well.
            I have a Tea coming up soon.
            [email protected]

            Reply
        • Margaret says

          May 14, 2018 at 11:19 am

          I just checked my downloads and didn’t find it. Can you resend?

          Reply
    6. Deb I says

      January 28, 2018 at 7:36 pm

      I can’t find the printable story ? So enjoyed it but can’t copy it ??? Left my info ,disappointed………..

      Reply
    7. Mandy says

      January 29, 2018 at 11:36 am

      I love that story. Having difficulty find the link to print. Maybe it’s my phone. Could you please email it to me?

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        February 23, 2018 at 9:57 am

        When you sign up, its an automatic download. It should be in your files. Thanks.

        Reply
    8. Melody says

      February 05, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      No link available to print this lovely story. Can you send a pdf version?

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        February 23, 2018 at 9:56 am

        When you sign up, its an automatic download into your files. You will find it there. Thanks

        Reply
    9. Janet says

      April 04, 2018 at 1:43 pm

      I was unable to find a link to print out the tea party story, even after signing up for your newsletter. Is there some way it could be sent to me? As a potter, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        April 04, 2018 at 1:56 pm

        Hi Janet, It is an automatic download, look in your taskbar or your download file. I hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
    10. Helen Brown says

      April 06, 2018 at 5:24 pm

      That is a beautiful story. I just know my Red Hat sisters will love to hear it next Wednesday at our monthly meeting. Thank you.

      Reply
    11. Donna J Shepherd says

      April 15, 2018 at 5:41 am

      This would be perfect for a children’s tea party. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    12. Denise says

      April 30, 2018 at 6:52 am

      I filled out name/email. & have not received a notice to download?

      Reply
    13. Sandra simmons says

      April 30, 2018 at 8:01 am

      I belong to a group of Brits & we meet for tea once a month& have done so since 1972. We add members & have those who leave us but we keep on keeping on. We have four members who are in their 90s God Bless from the Teasippers in the Blue Ridge Mtns of Va

      Reply
    14. Kathy says

      May 05, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      Being from England and a believer in Jesus and His redemptive love for me, your story of the Teacup touched me. I have had epilepsy since I was 14; and God in His perfect love has been molding me for many years! I am now 67! Puts the words to Amazing Grace in a whole new light.
      A beautiful depiction of hiw much He loves us.

      Reply
    15. June Harris says

      June 06, 2018 at 3:58 am

      so disappointed I can’t print the teacup story. Would like it for my meeting this week

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        June 06, 2018 at 5:50 am

        I am sorry you are having trouble. I did not see that you signed up to receive the printable story. I tried to reply to the email you listed, but it came back as nonexistent You can try again with another email.

        Reply
    16. Yvonne Whittington says

      June 08, 2018 at 10:20 am

      As a lover of tea, tea cups and tea pots, and God’s word, this story blessed my heart and was a wonderful reminder that I am not my own; I belong to the Father who fashioned me for His purpose. Thank you for sharing Candi.

      Reply
    17. Charlene Galloway says

      August 18, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      I have applied twice for the printable download It is not on my taskbar or in my downloads
      What do I need to do. I need it by Wednesday

      Reply
    18. Linda says

      October 12, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      I plan on having a tea for my WM ladies and this is what I need for the inspiration. Thank you so much.

      Reply
    19. Jan dowd says

      October 13, 2018 at 6:53 pm

      I like other before me are not able to download the teacup story as we were told. I am disappointed to say the least

      Reply
    20. Judy says

      February 04, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      I signed up for your website and the only thing to download was the menu. Not the tea story. Could you please tell me how to get it. Thanks Judy

      Reply
    21. Tea With Jennifer says

      February 28, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      You have a lovely blog & I loved how this truth was set in this story. A tea store! How delightful!
      You’re most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
      Blessings,
      Jennifer

      Reply
    22. sharon pullum says

      April 19, 2019 at 1:38 am

      i bought the story and tried to download couldn’t neither could i print it. sharon pullum please help send me a copy to my email maybe i can print it that way. i need it for my mother’s day tea party at my women’s ministry on the 20th of may please ASP. [email protected] i joined yours. please please help it so beautiful.

      Reply
    23. Nikki Krakauer aka ”JustTabandMeJustTabandMe” says

      April 20, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Thank you *so* much for telling this parable. I’m 78, & have been in the Lord’s keeping all these years. This reminds me of a song we used to sing in Sunday school. I’m not positive of all the words, but it still “sings” in my head. I think it goes like so……“Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way….thou art the potter, I am the clay. Make me and mold me, to thine own will, I’m waiting and willing, kneeling and still.” I haven’t seriously thought about the words in a long time! When I’ve had the “worst” happen in life, and can hardly even find words to pray, I’ve always sang this. Thank you for identifying what scripture it came from. Blessings!!!

      Reply
    24. Joyce says

      May 03, 2019 at 5:02 am

      Hi Candi , I know this is 2019, but tomorrow our ladies ministry is having a “Tea With The King” is our theme, and I will be reading the Tea Cup Story, when I found this on Pinterest, it spoke loudly and clear to me as I was struggling with a situation, thank you for sharing. May God bless you.

      Reply
    25. Julie Saenz says

      August 21, 2019 at 11:24 am

      intersested in downloading story please.

      Reply
    26. Robin Beck says

      October 17, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Please send me the Teacup Story to read in our Women’s Meeting in November. Thank you.

      Reply
    27. Angel says

      January 20, 2020 at 7:57 am

      I love it! Inspiration for me right now while life is not ideal. Thank God for the Potter! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    28. Freida says

      February 11, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Please send this story. It blessed me and I would like to share it ladies at my church.

      Reply
    29. Vera says

      April 27, 2020 at 7:19 am

      Thank you for this post. Sorry I cannot afford to buy the frameable story during this sheltering time at home. It is a blessing to read, though. Again, thank you.

      Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        April 27, 2020 at 7:27 am

        You can still print if for free inside the post there is a free download.

        Reply
    30. Karolyn Martin says

      June 14, 2020 at 11:42 am

      I enjoy tea and tea cups, but the story is a bonus. Thanks

      Reply
    31. Cecily says

      November 21, 2020 at 7:09 am

      I am a tea lover as is my husband. We also love the Word of God. Thank you for sharing this lovely story.

      Reply
    32. Suzanne Calhoun says

      November 29, 2020 at 10:49 am

      Beautiful, thank you. I could not find how to print?

      Reply
    33. Karen Jakicic says

      December 14, 2020 at 10:29 pm

      Could you possibly email me the story? I can not find it anywhere in my files.

      Reply
    34. Linda says

      April 12, 2021 at 7:04 am

      Have you ever read the teacup story with music in the background? If so what music did you use? I thought it would be dramatic to use different music that went with story in the different paragraphs. Thank you.

      Reply
    35. Vee says

      May 31, 2021 at 5:57 am

      What a lovely story! And that gorgeous teacup…do you know the maker? I would love to drink my tea from such a cup!

      Reply
    36. Sandra says

      February 11, 2022 at 2:20 pm

      The story is so true.
      I’d love to find out the maker of that beautiful teacup and saucer as well

      Reply
    37. Wilma says

      January 06, 2023 at 9:07 am

      Thank you! I have been so encouraged reading your blog.
      I plan to have a tea party but did not know where to start.

      Reply
    38. Jill Ryan says

      February 08, 2023 at 9:19 am

      I am a very hard headed, impatient woman and I’m 73 years old. I’ve had breast cancer, double mastectomies, chemo, 4 back surgeries, one that involved rods and screws and lasted 6 hours. I now have rheumatoid arthritis and, for those of you who may not know, does not only involve crippling but damage to your internal organs as well. I feel as though God has been molding me for years. In this last year, my son found out he had colon and bladder cancer. Then his liver and gallbladder, then he had lesions on his lungs.All was stage 4, and we were certain it was going to take his life. I asked every friend I had ever made as a Army Colonel’s wife, and every friend from my private life to please pray and if they were part of a prayer group, to please ask them too, to pray for my son. I begged them to pray with faith that Jesus would listen and answer our pleas for my sons’ return to good health. He has a wife and two precious daughters that he loves dearly. He has done chemo and surgeries and Jesus has listened to our pleas and my son is doing well today. He is not cured but he is very close to a cure. He has amazed doctors. Jesus has been the driving force with Mikey. Because so many people have pleaded with my Lord to save my son, Jesus has helped my son recover.
      And so this is why I wrote this letter. I deserve nothing from Jesus. I’ve been a sinner and he is still molding me. I love him with all my heart and I’ll never be able to thank my savior enough for helping Mikey. He loves me and it was through prayer that he knew I needed him. All of us can do this. Just have faith that Jesus is our Savior. He’s always there for us.

      Reply

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    I’m Candi, a recipe and all things Tea blogger. I create family-friendly recipes along with sharing encouragement in your daily life.

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