BY: JANICE HEFFER WRIGHT
God asked that question when Moses said, “I can’t!” In Exodus 4:2, Moses replied, “A staff”….a shepherd’s staff……a stick!!! Then God told Moses to throw it on the ground, and it became a snake. He then told him to grab its tail, and it became a staff again. That same staff, under the power of God, parted the Red Sea, opened a rock and supplied water to the disgruntled Israelites, and was instrumental in many miracles.
What do you have in your hand?
When David, the shepherd boy, heard Goliath, the Philistine, shouting sneers concerning the God of the Israelites, he boldly challenged him. What was in David’s hand? A stone!!! (He did gather five stones, but he used only one!) As Goliath shouted insults at the Shepherd Boy, David said, “You come to me with a sword and spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the Name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel….for the battle is the Lord’s!” The stone in his hand was placed in his slingshot and with one try, it flew through the air and struck the giant in his forehead, killing him. A shepherd boy used what was in his hand and God gave the victory!
What do you have in your hand?
A young boy, we will call Jonathan, heard that Jesus was coming near his home, and he was determined to see Him. I can just imagine that his mother was quite concerned about her young son and said, “I will make you a lunch...I don’t want you to be hungry”. Jonathan probably thought his mother was overly protective and tried to discourage her from making a lunch. However, we know that he did show up in that great crowd of people with a little lunch in his hand. Jesus knew the people were getting hungry and Andrew said, “There is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will that go among so many people? What do you have in your hand, Jonathan.” He replied, “Just a little lunch my Mother made me bring.” He happily turned it over to Jesus, and the whole crowd….at least 5000 people…had more than enough to eat…with leftovers!!
What do you have in your hand?
Are you holding your “gift” tightly in your fist and refusing to let God’s power use it for His glory?
Are you using the Word of God and prayer to defeat the enemy? God’s Word tells us that we are in a battle, “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12. Open your hand, and let the Word of God and prayer flow freely!
Do you have some time you could use to teach a Bible Class, to visit lonely friends, or to have a neighbor in for coffee and conversation……showing God’s love? Open you hand, and give God your time.
Do you have a story of God’s faithfulness to you clutched tightly in your hand, and you are not willing to share it? Open your hand, and let God use your story to encourage others and perhaps lead them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Do you have a home where people could gather for Bible Study, prayer time, share a meal, or just visit? Don’t be hesitant just because you don’t have fancy furniture or you are not the best housekeeper. Open you hand, and let God use your home for His Glory!
Do you have some money you are tightly clutching in your hand? Open your hand, be a generous giver, and you will be surprised how God will meet all your needs.
Do you have a “Silver Box” (words of encouragement!) you just can’t release? Practice speaking encouraging words to your family, neighbors, friends, store personnel, etc. Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up….encourage one another!” Give out “Silver Boxes” generously!
Only you know what you are hesitant to give to the Lord. Give it to the loving Savior, and He will lavishly repay you with abundant blessings.
What do you have in your hand?
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