CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 991

“In Good Hands”

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands… (Psalm 31:14-15 , NIV)

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands brought multi-million dollar contracts. A baseball in my hands is worth about $6. A baseball that was in a Hall of Famer’s hands can be priceless.  Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands are a couple of fish sandwiches.  Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God’s hands will feed thousands. Value, worth, security and capability – it all depends upon whose hands.

Many of us are planning a course of action for our lives: a new business venture, a career change, a strategy with long term impact, a new church ministry perhaps. All contain risk.

With our intellect we have weighed the facts carefully, but there always remains that element of risk.  Proverbs 16:9 states that ‘In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.’  This is where the faith rubber meets the road.  Do we waiver in our decision to activate our plans out of fear of making a bad decision?  Do we hesitate, vacillating back and forth between opinions until the time window of opportunity has closed and the plan is no longer viable?

The Word of the Lord says not to fear for He is with us.  He is always present, ready for us to place our times in His hands.  Every decision, every plan, every hope and desire needs to be trustingly placed in the hands of our Savior.

What is it that paralyzes us in fear and prevents us from moving forward? Perhaps we fear failure and ridicule. Our pridefulness can stop us cold. Some fear rejection. In this case our need for acceptance by our peers outweighs our desire to remain obedient to God or to fully trust in Him to lead, guide and provide. Others fear a loss of security. They have their security in their finances, material possessions, and careers. They have lost sight that the only true security is found in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Nails and wood in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands have produced salvation for all of mankind that will accept Him. Our Lord desires to abide in us and be a part of each and every moment of our times in this life as He leads us into eternity with Him. …And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, NIV)

Resolve today to put your concerns, your plans, your fears, your hopes, your visions and dreams, your families and your relationships in God’s hands. Success and security do depend upon whose hands we are in.  When we abide in Christ and He in us, we are truly in good hands.

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… For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.  (Isaiah 41:10-13, NIV)