-January 3, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Wednesday,
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
(Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Yesterday I took down all my Christmas decorations and tree. I got tired but I got it all done. Later I stopped by the church and saw some things that needed to be done and did them. As I was turning the lights off in our fellowship room, I banged my hand really hard on the door. It hurt very bad. It started to swell and I was afraid it was going to affect my right hand, which I use so much.
I thought at least I got so much done before this injury for I might be very limited. I called and made a doctor appointment for tonight at 8:00 pm to get it checked out. As the night went on it started feeling better, I prayed and my family and friends prayed. I wasn’t sure how it would feel while I was sleeping and when I got up. I woke up this morning and it feels almost normal. Praise God. I canceled my appointment.
It got me thinking how important our hands are in so many things from work, school, typing on the computer keyboard, holding and using our smartphones, writing, driving, sports, hobbies, and so much more. Often we take our hands for granted until we suffer an injury.
Professional athletes, pianists, and others have their hands insured. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a broken hand and was out for rest of the season and had to have surgery. The more active one is, the more the hands are needed.
Paul used his hands to support his needs and those who served with him. He said in Acts 20:34 says, “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.” He suffered pain, hardship, challenges, and difficulties, but he pressed on. He shared what he went through in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33.
May the Lord help us to serve Him with our hands. Every part of our bodies are important and one injured part affects the whole body. The hymn writer Frances Havergal wrote, “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love, at the impulse of Thy love.”
Have a blessed day serving the Lord with strong, willing, and compassionate hands. Stay safe and healthy.
Using what God gives us to help others,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 