His Strong Hand

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However, I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to go even under force from a strong
hand. BUT when I stretch out My hand...he will let you go. - Exodus 3:19-20

The people believed, and when they heard that the Lord had paid attention to them and that
He had seen their misery, they knelt low and worshiped. - Exodus 4:31

I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am the Lord your God,
who brought you out from the forced-labor of the Egyptians. I will bring you to the land that I
swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as a possession. I am
the Lord. Moses told this to the Israelites, BUT THEY DID NOT LISTEN TO HIM
BECAUSE OF THEIR BROKEN SPIRIT AND HARD LABOR. - Exodus 6:7-9


Ever feel like a modern day Israelite? We can become so attuned to our hardships, fickle
feelings, and weariness, we close our ears to truth - sometimes the very truth that made
us worship God just weeks, days, or even hours before.

We forget His strong hand is always stretched out and at work. It will not be like this forever. It
may appear the enemy is having a field day right now, but God is working. Preparing
hearts to be repaired. We may think it's too exhausting to become completely whole in
Him, but God is saying, "Just wait." When He stretches out His hand, satan will have no choice
but to back off as God completes His mighty work.

In the waiting, we CAN rest in peace. We can trade our weakness for His strength. For the
very hand that is working on our behalf, is also holding us.

"Do not fear, I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help
you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

And, one day, the very hand that created the universe, will use what He has done in our lives
for His amazing glory...

"So that all may see and know, consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done
this..." - Isaiah 41:20

So, how do you worship in all this mess? How do you praise when it seems the attacks
come constantly? How do you adore Him when you sometimes feel angry towards Him?

Remember this:

"When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, I was stupid and didn't
understand; I was an unthinking animal toward You. YET I am always with You; You hold my
right hand." - Psalms 73:21-22

Even when we let go, He still holds our hands. Even when we clench our fists and shake
them in frustration at Him now, He still holds our hands. And He is using that mighty hand to
restore us.

We can lift our hands to worship Him...knowing that He does not abandon the work of His
hands. Hand in hand, we can step out in confidence that He WILL fulfill His purpose for us.
(Psalms 138:8)

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