“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay and You are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” Isaiah 64:7 NAB Isaiah illustrates God’s work in both creating us and molding us. We become the product of our Heavenly Father’s hands fashioning us into the being He saw in His mind’s eye, the child that He loved unconditionally from the beginning of time. Philippians 1:6 further elaborates: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” His molding is an unending work— God is the patient artist.
God’s mighty hands are also used to defend and protect us throughout our lives. “Though I walk in the midst of dangers, You guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out Your hand; Your right hand saves me.” (Psalm 138:7) We can rely on this promise--His outstretched hands will save us from many troubles “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours…Yours are the hands through which He blesses all the world.” (St. Teresa of Avila) I’m thankful for the gift of my hands that have labored and blessed others--they pray when folded, worship when lifted, form connection when linked with others.
They’re busy creating in varied ways—cleanliness in daily chores, nourishment in preparing food, and comfort in reassuring hugs. For many years, my hands were used by the Lord in the healing profession—binding wounds, administering medications, performing CPR, and offering comfort to the sick and their families as a nurse. They have served the Lord in writing and communicating what the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart over the last 15 years.
God has created you with powerful hands, too. Do not forsake the work of those hands. Fold them in prayer, and ask, what’s next, Lord?