May 28, 2019
It Depends on Whose Hands It's In
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:13, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I recently received an email containing the following poem. It offers a simple but profound truth we would be wise to apply.
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Mark McGuire's hands is worth $19 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Venus Williams' hands is a championship winning racket.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy
A sling shot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God's hands will feed thousands.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands produced salvation for the entire world.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
In their darkest hour, waves crashing around them, trapped on a small fishing boat, the disciples were terrified. In fact, their fear blinded them to the reality of Jesus coming to them in the midst of that storm. I love the simple but powerful response of Jesus to their fearful cries when He said, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
The message was stunning in its simplicity. When He is with us and when we remember that we are in His hands, we do not have to be afraid. We usually get that part. But what Jesus also said was that His very presence brought courage into the mix – an audacious choice to discount the fearful circumstances simply because He was there.
Jesus did not rebuke His disciples in their fear.
He didn’t turn away from them because their faith was weak.
I probably would have. After all, they had seen Jesus perform miracles.
Water turned into wine.
Thousands fed with five loaves of bread and two small fish.
Men, women, and children healed.
And still they were afraid. Still they doubted. I can relate, can’t you?
Jesus “quickly” assured them of His comforting presence and His available power. Evidently, Peter was the only one who really believed Jesus. How do I know? True faith generates action. Peter was the only one willing to get out of the boat and walk through his fear. I am fairly certain Peter was just as terrified as the other disciples – but Peter chose to take Jesus at His word and place himself in the hands of Jesus. When he took that first step, Peter’s fear was swallowed up in faith.
What kind of storm are you facing? Don’t wait until you understand the crisis you are in. Don’t rely on your own strength. Choose right now to place your life in His hands and see what God does.
Let’s Pray
Father, please forgive me when I give in to fear and worry instead of stepping out in faith and believing You. Help me learn how to capture my thoughts and train them to focus on You. I want to become a woman who trusts You – no matter what. My faith is small, but I now choose to place it in You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What trial are you facing today?
What step do you need to take to face that trial with faith instead of fear? What is keeping you from taking that step?
Let it go… step through your fear, and trust God.
More from the Girlfriends
The presence of Jesus is a constant reminder that when we place our lives in His hands, we will experience the peace of God. Check out Mary’s new Joy Journal that will help you discover the joy only Jesus can bring. And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.
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