His Helping Hands...
Posted on January 5, 2010 with 0 comments
Praying the new year is off to a blessed start for you! It's a wonderful time to put the year's upcoming goals into perspective and get a fresh, clean start with the help of our great "helper"!
So many times we underestimate our own part and what an impact WE have on the world around us...
As many of you know, I am recovering from a broken collar bone...too much winter fun in the snow with the kids!! It has left me in quite a dependant state of recovery. In fact, until very recently, pretty much every "daily routine" was affected. One night in particular, I was very sore and my husband was trying so hard to help me get ready for bed. After quite a struggle, I was finally dressed! I let out a sigh and said "thank you, Jesus!!". I looked up at Mike and he had a quiet grin on his face..."I helped, too.." He said it jokingly, but it really made an impact on me! I immediately thanked him and apologized for not recognizing 'his part'.
It really got me thinking though...how we truly are the hands of the Father. We are the chosen vessels to get His work done in this world! With the greatest intentions and most heartfelt prayers, we still will not see fruit in this world until we labor and do our part. As James put it "faith without works is dead".
While reading the story in Acts Chapter 3 of the lame man at the gate Beautiful, I was sensitive and made more aware of an even greater miracle than the man's healing. The very fact that Peter and John took notice of him AND acted upon their faith was astounding in itself!!! These men, along with countless others, must have passed this same gentleman hundreds of times on their way into the temple. But now, being filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, when they took the time to fix their eyes on this man, they saw him...not as a familiar, helpless case; but as a child of God that deserved the same abundant life Jesus died for him to have!
Acts 3:6-7 reads "Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
Notice that it doesn't read "we'll pray for you, brother", or even that they left after saying their prayer right there with him...it says "and he took him by the right hand and lifted him up". There was a work to be done in addition to the prayer and working of the Holy Spirit...and it was dependant upon the helping of human hands to lift him up!
We should absolutely pray, without fail...and it is the power of God alone working through us that will ever produce results. But, remember how important YOU are to God's plans. I believe that we are given opportunity every day to be the hands, feet, and/or voice of God to someone in our lives. Pray for God to reveal those opportunities and give you the grace and strength to meet each one.
This world needs the touch of God more now than ever before! I encourage you to make it a priority this year to touch the lives around you and release the power of God in your own life while there is still time to do it!!
I also desire your prayers for healing and strength in my own body. If the Lord allows, I will be accompanying International Evangelist Amy Lambert to Kenya next month to assist in The Amazing Gospel Crusade. I believe the Lord has great plans for this mission and I am determined not to allow the enemy to interfere with these plans!! I appreciate your covering prayers for travel and protection for both Amy and myself...along with prayers for spiritual liberty and His anointing to bring salvation, deliverance, and healing to all those in attendance!
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, love, and continued support!!!
So many times we underestimate our own part and what an impact WE have on the world around us...
As many of you know, I am recovering from a broken collar bone...too much winter fun in the snow with the kids!! It has left me in quite a dependant state of recovery. In fact, until very recently, pretty much every "daily routine" was affected. One night in particular, I was very sore and my husband was trying so hard to help me get ready for bed. After quite a struggle, I was finally dressed! I let out a sigh and said "thank you, Jesus!!". I looked up at Mike and he had a quiet grin on his face..."I helped, too.." He said it jokingly, but it really made an impact on me! I immediately thanked him and apologized for not recognizing 'his part'.
It really got me thinking though...how we truly are the hands of the Father. We are the chosen vessels to get His work done in this world! With the greatest intentions and most heartfelt prayers, we still will not see fruit in this world until we labor and do our part. As James put it "faith without works is dead".
While reading the story in Acts Chapter 3 of the lame man at the gate Beautiful, I was sensitive and made more aware of an even greater miracle than the man's healing. The very fact that Peter and John took notice of him AND acted upon their faith was astounding in itself!!! These men, along with countless others, must have passed this same gentleman hundreds of times on their way into the temple. But now, being filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, when they took the time to fix their eyes on this man, they saw him...not as a familiar, helpless case; but as a child of God that deserved the same abundant life Jesus died for him to have!
Acts 3:6-7 reads "Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
Notice that it doesn't read "we'll pray for you, brother", or even that they left after saying their prayer right there with him...it says "and he took him by the right hand and lifted him up". There was a work to be done in addition to the prayer and working of the Holy Spirit...and it was dependant upon the helping of human hands to lift him up!
We should absolutely pray, without fail...and it is the power of God alone working through us that will ever produce results. But, remember how important YOU are to God's plans. I believe that we are given opportunity every day to be the hands, feet, and/or voice of God to someone in our lives. Pray for God to reveal those opportunities and give you the grace and strength to meet each one.
This world needs the touch of God more now than ever before! I encourage you to make it a priority this year to touch the lives around you and release the power of God in your own life while there is still time to do it!!
I also desire your prayers for healing and strength in my own body. If the Lord allows, I will be accompanying International Evangelist Amy Lambert to Kenya next month to assist in The Amazing Gospel Crusade. I believe the Lord has great plans for this mission and I am determined not to allow the enemy to interfere with these plans!! I appreciate your covering prayers for travel and protection for both Amy and myself...along with prayers for spiritual liberty and His anointing to bring salvation, deliverance, and healing to all those in attendance!
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, love, and continued support!!!