July 5 His Hand

Day 23: Luke 1:66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord's hand was with him.
 
“CAN I give you a hand?” I love it when people ask me that. It means they have care and concern for me. They want to lighten my work and help me complete it more quickly. An extra hand at the right time is a wonderful blessing.
     The Lord’s hand was on John. God had miraculously delivered this new baby boy to John’s aging, barren mother and priest father. People knew John’s life was a special miracle and a loving sign from God. They were feeling God say to them, “I’m here to give you my hand.”
     In the book of Acts, another book Luke wrote, he uses the same phrase: Acts 11:21 “The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.” God had sent his Spirit to begin his church. The only way the church could begin was for God’s hand to powerfully change the hearts of both the apostles and those whom God had chosen to hear the gospel message, “Jesus saves. Repent. Believe in him.”
     “The Lord’s hand” and another phrase “The hand of God” are references to his power to protect, guide and care for his people. God does not sit by with his hands folded to merely watch you live your life. He ignites your life into a new creation. The Holy Spirit offers his hand to you, and says, “Here, take it. I’ll pull you up. I’ll keep you from falling. I’ll use my power to care for you. I’ll lead you to good places. Be at ease. Be confident. I’m here loving you. Here, take my hand.” When you pick up your Bible, look for God’s hand. It’s there on every page waiting to help you.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your warm, loving, powerful hand.
 
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