Who Holds Your Hand? by Heidi Dru Kortman

Who Holds Your Hand?

Text: Isaiah 42:6

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, and a light for the Gentiles….”

  

          Have you ever realized your life is a metaphor? Physical handicaps are especially visible pictures of the spiritual handicaps that all people have. Outside of Christ, no one can reach out to God, or walk through life pleasing God, or stand in his presence.

            The thing is, God has a righteous purpose for allowing these difficulties in our lives, and although we rarely think of it, we are very special to him. If you need some proof, look at Micah 4:6-7: “In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will gather the lame, I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame a remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.” Other passages repeatedly tell of how much God loves and cherishes his “remnant,” the people who are in close relationship with him.

            Since we are lame and hindered, we have an opportunity to give powerful witness to God’s power and loving care that we receive in our personal lives. The more often we notice and talk about what God does for us in the assistance we get from others, the more people will sense the things God is willing to do for them, if they will believe in Jesus.

            God intends our lives to startle non-believers into paying attention. Even though our disabilities seem to isolate us and may give us sorrow and frustration, God will keep his promises and give us everything we need. With his power working in us, non-believers will eventually ask what makes us different than the way they expected us to be—they will see the maturity the Holy Spirit gives, and we will have a chance to direct them to the Lord. God promises to take hold of our hands, protecting, and leading, and teaching us to walk in ways that honor him.

            Prayer:

            You choose us to be important to You, Lord. We aren’t always sure why, so please hold our hands, and keep us near. When our dependence on You is what others need to see, help us to make that connection clear, and appealing to them. Then we will have answered Your righteous call. Amen.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.