12 January 2007
Dear friends
During one of the nights when I was unable to sleep, thoughts of who will go with me for my weekly chemotherapy kept coming to my mind. Then I was reminded of the friends who went with me for the past few treatments, the friends who willingly held my hands, although in their hearts, they might be squirming in pain – how come she is gripping my hand SO VERY tightly??? WAH!!! So painful!!!
As I lay in bed, the Lord brought to mind all the Loving Hands.
1. Holding Hands
I’m so thankful for these hands that held mine especially when my arms have to be poked. Sorry if my grip was strong. Scared lah!!! Thank you for not complaining. I must also thank the spouses/boy/girlfriends of these friends who did not turned green with jealousy when I needed those hands. Then there’s my hubby’s hands who held mine that night when I sobbed and was unable to rest. I’m especially thankful that I still have the privilege to hold my children’s hands now – those chubby little hands and fingers that seek security. I remember another night when I was unable to sleep, I sat next to Li-Ann’s cot and held her hands, marvelling at the baby fats she has and how those little fingers and toes will grow longer in no time. It was a reminder to cherish the petite hands. A vision which I had also came to mind. It is one of a little girl whose right hand is held by a huge man whose face is out of sight. That little girl is me and the huge man is God. To me, it’s a vision of assurance and love. I’m so thankful for those huge hands when mine are frail and fearful. These are the Hands that strengthen and empower me.
Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
2. Giving Hands
My parents’ wrinkled, rough and abled hands also came to mind. These were the hands that held mine ever since young. To think that in my rebellious teen years I thought those hands were there to restrain, and not love. How naive. How wrong I was. I’m thankful that God showed me how these hands are ever loving and tireless, especially at such a time when I need them. They are hands of love – not just for me but also for hubby and my children. Would I have such hands for my own children and their families? God sent 2 pairs of Giving Hands when one friend gave me a warm coloured pashmina – I was deliberating if I should get one to go with my beige colour hat; another friend gave me a brand new pack of L-size diapers – I was just telling hubby that we may need to get another pack of diapers for Li-Ann. How timely, these Giving Hands came.
3. Praying Hands
This may sound cliche but I thank my God for your Praying Hands. Thank you for making the choice to take time to put your hands together to pray for us. Thank you for reaching out to the heavens with your Praying and Seeking Hands. The Lord hears you. The Lord honours your Praying Hands. May the Lord bless those Seeking Hands.
4. Blessing Hands
We were asked what we would expect when seeking financial assistance. Hubby and I both agreed: nothing. We don’t know what to expect and don’t expect anything. We can only hope. Hope in the One who never fails to bless. We only want to seek His Blessing Hands. I also pray for my hands to bless, especially my children. I was reminded to use my hands to love and bless, and not to be harsh.
Deuteronomy 28:2-3
All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
So on that sleepless night, I was prompted to get up and spend time with the Lord. I’m beginning a new devotion by Beth Moore ‘A Heart Like His’. It’s a study about David. The reading is taken from 1 Samuel 14. The essence is on the close relationship between Jonathan (Saul’s son and David’s good friend) and his armour-bearer (v1-23) and also how Saul, during the battle with the Philistines, forbade anyone to eat (v24-52). I learnt a few precious lessons:
* To be victorious, we must listen to the instructions of the One whose armour we bear. The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, will prepare us and protect us.
* Our Master is always careful to lead the way. We must always ‘climb up’ after Him. We are only deadly to the enemy when we go behind Him.
* Fasting called by God will result in added strength, not depleted strength.
*God is for us in a battle, not against us. He wants us fortified before our enemy with faith like Jonathan, obedience like the armour-bearer, and proper fuel like Saul’s army should have received.
The Lord spoke straight to my heart. He knew I needed His assurance and He gave me that through His Word. He knew I have the faith and I will obey. He only reminded me to be properly fuelled. I was in fact concerned about how my diet may affect my health, like should I be taking more of this and less of that. I know I just have to eat healthily as far as possible and not to be too much of a slave to my numb tastebuds. Then to stand and trust in His Healing Hands.
Refreshed and reassured by His Word and finally tired, I rested.
So what’s the latest with His Blessing Hands? Two friends have indicated that they hope to go with me for a few of my weekly treatments if their schedule permits.
WOW!!!
Thank you for your Hands 🙂
Apple
I Can Do It! 