Empty Hands

                             One by one He took them from me
                                All the things I valued most;
                             'Till I was empty-handed,
                                Every glittering toy was lost
                             And I walked earth's highways, grieving,
                                 In my rags and poverty
                             Until I heard His voice inviting,    
                               "Lift those empty hands to Me!"


                             Then I turned my hands toward heaven,
                                 And He filled them with a store
                             Of His own transcendent riches, 
                                 'Til they could hold no more.


                             And at last I comprehended 
                                  With my stupid mind, and dull,
                             That God cannot pour His riches
                                   Into hands already full.
                                                        - source unknown




      I read this today written by Chuck Swindol and thought it worthy of passing on.


      I have found great help from two truths God gave me at a time in my life when I was bombarded with a series of unexpected and unfair blows (from my perspective). In my darkest hours these principles become my anchor of stability, my only means of survival. Afflicted, confused, persecuted, and rejected in that situation, I claimed these two truths and held onto them like one beaten by wild waves, strong winds, and pounding rain would grab hold of the mast on a ship at sea, God took me through the consequences and kept me from becoming a bitter person.


Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my heavenly Father, Nothing. Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why (we may never know why), but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives. He is, in no way, surprised by it at all. Before it ever touches us, it passes through Him.   


Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively, Everything. Since my heavenly Father is committed to shaping me into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is a necessary part of the preparation process. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him--the faithful Provider. And God knows what will get through to us.  


Listen to what Paul has to say:           .
I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers in the sea, dangers among the false brethren.       




                               Never give up  Never give in!