Saturday, February 08, 2014

Withered "Hands"

He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered....He said to the man with the  withered hand, "Get up and come forward!"......He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:1-6

As the possessor of a black thumb, I know a thing or two about withered plants. 
Via google images

They usually start fairly healthy and green.

Due to neglect or heat or lack of water...they dry out!

With the proper care they can often be restored.

In this account we see a man with a withered hand INSIDE the synagogue. From the use of the word restore - which means to "put back to a former state" - we guess his hand was once useful.

He has only to obey the commands of Jesus and that which was dry and withered is restored to health and usefulness.

I've often sat in church with withered areas in my life.  These areas were once thriving and are currently dry. By faith, I believe these areas are not DEAD - just dry - and with the proper touch from the Master Gardener, in His time, these withered areas will be restored. I'm aware some things are for a season and are meant to wither permanently. I trust His pruning.

Withered hands, withered plants  - what about withered finances, relationships, marriages, health, ministry, relationship with Jesus?

We have only to bring these areas to Jesus...listening and obeying his commands...He is in the business of restoration.

Today, I'm thankful for restoration. I journaled three areas which I know have either recently been withered or are currently dry. I realize each area -  a relationship, a ministry, and health - were withered due to my lack of boundaries.  I've committed to listen more carefully to the Divine whisper in the future. I've also committed to be more aware of those around me with withered areas in their lives. The very least I can do is pray for restoration.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

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