Monday, February 2, 2009

Open Your Hands


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

10 comments:

  1. Barbara, this is such an awesome story. I love how God personalizes our relationship with Him:) I can't wait to hear the rest:)

    Every 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

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  2. B,
    I, 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

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  3. 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.

    I have enjoyed your blog I will be back and visit.

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  4. 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!

    Love ya, Heaven

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  5. 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!!

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  6. I love how you hear the Lord so clearly B.

    Isaiah 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. :)

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  7. That is awesome! I can't wait to hear part 2. BTW, that is a beautiful print.

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  8. This 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.

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  9. ok, just started reading but had to stop here and tell you that the verse in Isaiah is the scripture i am memorizing right now!!

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  10. God loves to confirm His voice to us. This painting is a perfect example of this. I love it!

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