"In My Hands"

On my computer at work, I have this incredible background picture of an old wooden park bench situated under a purple blossoming tree. It is one of those pictures that will captivate your heart to beat slower and to breathe deeper, as you imagine yourself sitting on the bench relishing the solitude. Now, even though it is a great picture on its own, my manager was able to pick a color to frame the background (and if I can use a much overused designer term) it does make it "pop" with more brilliance.

That got me to thinking about how God not only gifts each of us but also how He wants us to use what He has placed in our care.

Psalm 18:34 says, "He trains my hand to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze". David wrote this toward the end of his life after being delivered from the enemy’s hand. God had strengthened him. Like David, we could shout an "Amen" for being delivered from our enemy’s hand. Each Christian walks out from victory because of what Christ did on the cross. Not only does God train our hands, but we have the confidence that He keeps us secure in His hands. The word "train" in Hebrew means to exercise, teach, or learn.

Okay, I know you're probably thinking… how do I go from a picture on the computer to talking about being trained for war? Don’t ask. That's how my mind works. But we know, God has placed something in each of our hands, something we can use to battle with and to join with the Lord to enlarge His Kingdom. We have in our hands something in order to bless others.

My question to you is, what is in your hand today? If you are artistic, then use that talent to lift others with your gifts and give God the glory in that. Are you good with mathematics or specialize in a certain subject of education? Then you could use that to teach and stretch others. Maybe God has given to you great insights in how to make lots of money. Use it for His purposes. Are you a stay at home mom trying to homeschool your kids? God is using what is in your hands to raise up the next generation and that is an awesome privilege. We all have something, but we must look into our hands and ask ourselves what that might be and how do we stay diligent and not become fatigued in our daily life.

The Lord gave us His Spirit to fight those spiritual battles. He gives each of us a measure of faith to believe and He gives each of us some kind of gifting. Don’t rely on what was in your hand yesterday. The Lord is always doing a new thing. And as David did not use Saul’s armor for fighting Goliath, we don’t want to try to muster up what was meant for someone else. God is faithful to refresh us with His truths on a daily basis. God’s Word, the scriptures, is our sword for those battles, as well as to encourage, strengthen and to move us forward in His power.

I have been blessed with great friends, and I have seen how they use what is in their hands to help support me and to help spread God’s word with this website. With my love of writing, and through the trials God has allowed, I believe what has emerged is a kind of "diamond in the rough" gift in writing. My friends have been there, every step of the way, to help encourage me to write with passion, and to hone in my skills. Shelly is my friend who has patiently stepped in to be my web designer (I’m an old dinosaur from the dark ages, and didn’t even know about these kinds of sites). She has also used her gift of photography by sharing her photos on this site. And then there are my "Grammar Queens". Beth helps make all my writing be a bit more "professional and crisp" for this web site. Gail and Kim keep me sharp with the technical parts of writing for my book. And Laurie and Lou encourage me so often in what I am doing. Each woman has been there to support, cheer, and sharpen me in order that we not only spread God’s Word, but they also help me be the best I can be for His purpose. The glory goes to the Lord.

These gals remind me of just how my manager made my picture "pop" with the better border, and they help my writing "pop" by checking and making sure I'm writing at my very best. I want what God has placed in my hand, (which I believe is a love of writing) to "pop" and speak into your hearts. Gosh, have I also overused that designer term as well? Hah!

Well, how about you? What has been placed in your hands, and how will you use it? Pray now and ask God how you can honor Him with what He has placed in your hands.

 

 

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.