His Giving Hands by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: Isaiah 34:17

“He allots their portions; his hand distributes them by measure (v.17a).

            This is another of the hard verses. God gives us our portions. Whether by direct act or permission, God controls what happens in our lives.

Some of our disabilities arrived with us at birth, some disabilities are the by-products of disease, and other disabilities are the result of actions we took. As human beings, we would rather think of God as the source of all good blessings, and it is rare that we would count a disability among those.

            It may be that we are completely dependent on caregivers. If so, an attitude of thankfulness and praise, for them and toward God—may be a tremendous influence on their lives. If we can do things for ourselves, thankfulness that God has placed these limits on our difficulties, and given us opportunities to contribute to his kingdom is appropriate. Responding to our situations with humor and patience will make us more appealing to non-disabled people, and we will have more opportunities to witness about God’s loving care.

            Though our God allows us to be limited, he also grants creativity and inspiration. Without his guidance, there would be no prosthetics to substitute for malformed or missing limbs, we could not contrive our own methods of accomplishing tasks, and no one would train assistance dogs. We would be without the help of therapists or surgeons, who can solve some of our problems with their skills.

            Most of all, God has given us Jesus, the ultimate gift, who supplies us with acceptance as God’s children and sustains the existence of the entire creation: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb. 1:3). Through him, we can say with Paul, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13), until the day that he comes to “transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21).

            Prayer:

            Lord, we have learned, by sometimes bitter experience that you allot us a portion of difficulty and pain. Yet, in Your mercy, there is also relief and opportunity. You understand how easy it is for us to react with sinful impulses. We ask you to forgive us, and transform us, to the praise of Your Son’s glory. Amen.

Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

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.