I once read that things are different in the hands of different people.
For example, a paintbrush is much different when in the hands of Monet versus a child.
A basketball is much different in the hands of Michael Jordan than those of Babe Ruth.
A piano sounds much different when played by the hands of Mozart than when played by the hands of a first year piano student.
Clay turns out to be something much more inspired when molded by Leonardo da Vinci than when turned and shaped by a college student in an elective course.
One of the best examples I can think of to illustrate this is with the two fish and the five loaves of bread.
In Luke 9, there was a crowd of people surrounding Jesus and His disciples waiting and yearning to be taught. But, as Jesus repeatedly taught us, we need to meet people where they are before attempting to minister the Word of God to them.
This crowd was hungry, so Jesus told His disciples, “You give them something to eat.”
They replied, “We only have five loaves of bread and two fish-unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”
If you are familiar with the story, you know that Jesus takes the bread and the fish, and, “looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them.”
The story further goes on to tell us that everyone ate to their satisfaction and there was still plenty that was left over.
Two fish and five loaves of bread go much further when in the hands of Jesus than when in the hands of His disciples.
When I apply this to my life, I realize that my circumstances, my children, my blessings, my challenges are all different in my hands than in the hands of others. While I may long for an easier road, or different blessings, I realize that God can’t accomplish what He wants to in me and through me without giving me what is in my hands.
Only I can prepare my children for the life God has for them; no other mother could do that. Only I can share with others my struggles as a single parent and give them hope that they, too, will come out on the other side – and stronger for it.
Only my words will breathe life into an experience I’ve lived; one that will deeply move and touch the heart of another.
So, friends, on this day, instead of looking at your situation and wondering why this is the hand that God has dealt you, thank Him that He chose you for this great work. Work that only you and your hands can accomplish for His greater purpose.
