What’s That in Your Hand?

by Carmen Williams

This was the golden question God asked Moses. In Exodus 3, God appears to Moses in a burning bush to directly charge him with the task of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. However, Moses begins doubting his own ability to accomplish the task God set before him. Even after God reassures Moses that He will be with him, Moses continues with his complaints about how incapable he is to do it. In response to Moses’ self-deprecating comments, God asks him, “what’s that in your hand? (Exodus 4:2). And Moses responds with “a rod”. The Lord tells Moses to throw it on the ground, and he obeys- the rod then turns to a snake. The Lord then goes on to tell Moses to catch the snake by its tail, and when Moses reaches to do so, it becomes a rod again. The Lord will go on to share two more signs that Moses will be able to perform in order to prove the legitimacy of the Lord’s power to the children of Israel and Pharaoh. And Moses does incredible things with the rod in the presence of the children of Israel and Pharaoh. But the amazing point of it all is this- God was trying to show Moses that he already had everything he needed to be successful in what God called him to do.

God is sovereign. I heard a preacher say that God will not start a thing before He has already finished it. And what the preacher meant by that was that God has already seen the end from the beginning, and He will not begin a new thing in our lives without already knowing the outcome of it. God had been training Moses, from birth on how to lead His people. From learning the customs and culture of the Egyptians by being raised in Pharaoh’s home, to also being familiar with his own culture and the ways of the Israelites. Moses was more prepared for his calling than even he realized. And because God is so gracious, even when Moses complained about having a “slow tongue” and lacking eloquence in speech, God said He could use his brother Aaron as his mouthpiece to speak all that which God would tell Him. Overall, the point remains that God already had all these things in place and ready by the time Moses was called. Everything he needed was already in his hands. So I ask you, what’s in your hand?

Photo Credit: Google

I heard another preacher also say the grave is the richest place on the earth. That is because every good idea, clever invention, research discovery, musical composition, artwork, book, and so much more was buried with someone who was not wise or courageous enough to truly pursue what God called them to do. Most times, if left to ourselves, we will take the path of least resistance. Our flesh never wants to do the hard thing, but sometimes it is the only thing that will allow us to complete what God has called us to do. Moreover, our flesh also tends to always want what others have. And when we start comparing ourselves to other people and start coveting their gifts and talents, it detracts our attention from what God has already placed inside of us. As unique human beings (having been fearfully and wonderfully made by God), we each have a specific DNA and fingerprint that is absolutely one of a kind- which means we each have a special touch. There is something that you do that is so spectacularly unique to you, that only you can do it the way you do it. Nobody can duplicate it. Whatever that gift, talent, or ability is that God has placed in you, is what’s in your hand. Use it! That is the very thing that God will use to get the glory out of your life.

“I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works: and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Psalm 139:14

I am reminded of David in the Bible when the prophet Samuel anointed him as king. First of all, he wasn’t even at the dinner table when the prophet showed up to the house, he was tending to the sheep. David didn’t have a kingly stature either. He was simply a shepherd boy. I imagine that in his free time away from tending the sheep, David probably enjoyed playing the harp and perfecting his aim with his slingshot. And these were the things that opened his door to the throne. It was not a strict kingly diet or intense workout regimen that made him fit for the throne, it was his gentle yet protective nature over his sheep and his commitment to perfecting his craft of musicianship and marksmanship. These were passions that God placed in David, but David had to perfect them on his own in private. And because he did that, when it was time for him to be called forth, he was ready. When King Saul needed a skillful musician on the harp to drive away that evil spirit, David was called upon. When Goliath began terrorizing God’s people, and everyone was too afraid to fight him, David stood up. And in both instances, he used what he had in his hands. The thing that God put in his heart, he used to glorify God with in his life.

“And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.”

1 Samuel 18:14

So again, I ask you, what is in your hand? What is that gift, talent, or ability that God has placed in your heart? Is it a gift of speaking, writing, or encouraging? Healing, giving, or serving? Or is it singing, dancing, or something artistic? Whatever it is, embrace it. The word says that God’s calling is irrevocable, so whatever He has placed in your heart is probably something that hints towards your purpose and destiny on this earth. Ask God for guidance on what you should be doing to cultivate what He’s placed in you and then do it. This is how God can truly get the glory out of your life. When you begin walking in your God-given purpose, He will begin opening doors, creating pathways, and developing connections in your life that you never even fathomed. Use what is in your hand!

“Since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.”

Romans 11:29