God's hand at work

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. -Isaiah 41:13

 There's something about the power of a touch that does what words cannot. Growing up, my mom always let me know when I would give her a good hug. I never cared for hugs but for whatever reason it was special when she told me I gave her a good hug. Ever since she passed away almost four years ago, the one thing I've missed the most is the chance to give her a hug. As my mom always referred to me as a "man of few words", most of what needed to be expressed in our mutual love for one another took place in the simplicity of a hug. Sunday night I stood at the front of the worship service in a church building in matagalpa Nicaragua and prayed that I might feel God's presence more intimately, that he might touch my life in a new and stronger way than ever before. As I prayed, a woman I've never met before walked by and placed her hand on my back to pray for me. As tears ran down my face, I was instantly reminded of the touch of my mother. It was as if God was saying to me, "Can you imagine the power of my touch? If you are so moved by the kind gesture of a stranger, how much more will you be in awe when the scarred hands of Jesus are on your back as you hug your Savior?" I eagerly await that day, as I diligently strive to draw ever nearer to my Lord and Savior. Our hands must be at work for our Lord in order for our eyes to be opened to the hand of God at work in our lives.

 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. -1 Corinthians 2:9