It's been almost four years. I still remember the moment. The memory is as fresh in my mind as the bread we were breaking. My friend Barbara and I were having lunch, chatting about the Lord. We do that a lot, the talking about the Lord part. The Lord was listening to our conversation. He made His Presence known to me that day by adding a few words of His own .
As Barbara shared a God story, she stretched her arms across our table in a gesture, coupling her open hands together. The motion caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting to receive a hand signal from the Lord during our lunch, but He had something to say to me . "Open Your Hands, Barbara."
'Open my Hands?' What was He talking about? What did that mean?
I pondered the question. I must confess, I am a ponderer! A pastor once told me "Barbara, you think too much." Then he followed up his statement with "I don't think enough." I knew he was right. He did not think enough : ) I've discovered when you walk by faith, there is a lot of prayer and pondering necessary to understand what the Lord is really saying.
Here is what I came up with on 'Open Your Hands.' The Lord was going to give me something or take something away. Either way, it was important I followed His instructions. My hands were to be in the open position. The Lord had served notice. Something was about to change in my life.
I was working at my church when I got this hand signal. I went to lunch with a new employee who is now my good friend Betty, the artist. I held my open hands together and said, "God told me to do this." She smiled and replied "Barbara, you are not going to believe what I have to show you. I'll bring it tomorrow." The next day she gave me the print in this post. It was her latest painting. Needless to say I was floored! The Lord sent a picture to confirm what I heard. Betty wrote this verse around the painting:
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles ;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa 40:31
Three months later the Lord added 'More' to my open hands.
I will share Part 2 of 'Open Your Hands' on Thursday. I hope you will stop by the B log tomorrow for Turtle Tuesdays! B, the turtle has a new coat to show you!
B His Girl
Barbara, this is such an awesome story. I love how God personalizes our relationship with Him:) I can't wait to hear the rest:)
ReplyDeleteEvery time you comment on my blog, I wonder how insightful you are. If you just say what you say or if God shows you stuff. I'm curious...Your comments always speak volumes to me...Heaven
B,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been told I think too much. I've also been told I overanalyze things. But I know God gave me this "thinker" personality for His reasons. I think about that often. :)
I'll be watching for part two.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
I too have been told just yesterday at church one of our ministers asked me to read a scripture he said that the Lord told him I had one. Well that morning God had given me two scriptures and so when I was asked I was kind of stumped. So our minister told me to justr listen to what God is saying not your mind.Sometimes we have to be still and just listen.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog I will be back and visit.
Well, yes, your encouragement speaks to me very often:) Thank you for being faithful and letting the Holy Spirit guide you and direct your comments. You are such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteLove ya, Heaven
My first response to this was...ooooo I l.o.v.e. this print!! I'll be back for part 2, I can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you hear the Lord so clearly B.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 40:31 keeps coming up. I sure do need renewed strength.
I'll be back tomorrow to see your coat. I was just reading about a coat in the Bible. :)
That is awesome! I can't wait to hear part 2. BTW, that is a beautiful print.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely beautiful, Barbara. I needed to hear "Open your hands." Can't wait to hear more. You bless me so. Sorry I haven't visited in a while.
ReplyDeleteok, just started reading but had to stop here and tell you that the verse in Isaiah is the scripture i am memorizing right now!!
ReplyDeleteGod loves to confirm His voice to us. This painting is a perfect example of this. I love it!
ReplyDelete