What’s in Your Hand?
In his message a few weeks ago, Pastor Darren talked about our encounters with God and how He reveals his presence, character, and will in these encounters. Pastor Darren noted that Faith in God is the appropriate ‘first step’ response, followed by the ‘second step’ of adjusting our lives to his revealed will. During Moses’ burning bush encounter with God on mount Horeb, God revealed his will to Moses - specifically, to go to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. (Exodus 3-4). However, Moses was not too keen on doing this. He wanted to stay as far away from Egypt as possible because he had killed an Egyptian and was wanted for murder (Exodus 2: 1-15). Furthermore, he was not an eloquent speaker - telling God that he was not the most qualified person for the task (as if God wasn't already aware of this). In the midst of Moses questioning God’s will, God asked Moses “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied (Exodus 4:2).
Changing How We See What We Have
As followers of Christ, we all have to answer that same question, when it comes to doing God’s will and Kingdom purposes in our lives. Part of the problem is that we tend to minimize the gifts, talents, skills, resources, positions, and experiences that God has blessed us with. The problem is not what we have, but how we see what we have. Moses’ staff was later used to accomplish miraculous feats - releasing water from a rock (Exodus 17: 1-7; Numbers 20: 1-13), and parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22).Throughout Scripture, we see the people of God using what seemed insignificant to accomplish what can only be described as extraordinary, supernatural, and miraculous. The following are a few examples:
David’s use of a sling to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50-53)
Sampson’s use of a donkey's jawbone (Judges 15:16)
The Widow of Zarephath who gave her last meal to the the LORD in faith through the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-24)
Jesus’ feeding of 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 small fish (John 6:1-14)
Placing What We Have in God’s Hands
From our perspective, what’s in our hand may appear to be inadequate, insufficient, and insignificant; however, when placed in God’s hands in faith, they can have extraordinary impact. I am not saying here that you should expect biblical-like miracles in your life on a day to day basis; rather, to live our lives in a way that acknowledges God’s gifts to us and not to underestimate the potential of these gifts when we, in faith, allow God to use them. God can, and does use whatever he has placed in our hands for his glory and a means to bless others. The goal for us is to recognize what has been placed in our hands, thank God, offer it to God, and pray. What’s in your hand? Have you placed it in God’s hands?
Denny Barnett