In the Exodus accounts, a stark contrast is presented between what God can do with His hand and what Moses has in his. Moses, a simple shepherd, held his shepherd’s staff in his hand, representing his identity and all that made up his life. It was his tool of work, his daily support. But when Moses handed that staff over to God, something extraordinary happened. God took this ordinary object and transformed it into an instrument of miracles.
Transformation of the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
Moses’ staff, once in God’s hands, became God’s staff. This teaches us a powerful lesson: when we offer God everything we have in our hands, He can take what seems ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. Whether it’s our finances, our plans, our work, our studies, everything can become a means for God to work wonders.
The Hand of God: Powerful, Protective, Providing
"I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, except with a mighty hand. I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst of it. Afterward, they will let you go. I will also give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you will not go empty-handed." Exodus 3:19-21
1- Powerful
Moses’ testimony illustrates what God can do in our lives when we put everything in His hands. Our lives are to be a testimony of God’s power working in and through us.
2- Protective
God’s hand is also a protective hand. It intervenes to protect us from the dangers and threats that surround us. When we are in His hand, we are safe.
3- Provider
God provides for all our needs. Even when we think all doors are closed, God’s hand can open ways where there were none before. Let us commit everything to God, and He will provide (Exodus 3:19-20).
The Power of Faith
"The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My vengeance will be satisfied, I will draw out the sword, my hand will destroy them. You blew with your breath, the sea covered them; they sank like lead, in the depths of the waters. Who is like you among the gods, O LORD? Who is like you, magnificent in holiness, worthy of praise, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them up. By your mercy you have led, you have redeemed this people; by your power you direct them To your holy dwelling place." Exodus 15:9-13
It is time to stop fighting in our own strength and put everything in God’s hands. Exodus 15:9-13 reminds us that even when we are faced with battles, God’s hand keeps any weapon formed against us from destroying us. We cannot win some battles in our own strength, but only in the power of God.
Let God Provide
"The children of Israel did as Moses had said, and they asked of the Egyptians vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment. And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and they did as they asked. And they plundered the Egyptians." Exodus 12:35-36
Take what is left in your hands and honor God with it. Exodus 3:21 teaches us that if we put what we have in God's hands, our hands will never be empty. We are only instruments in God's hands, and it is He who works through us.
In conclusion, whether in times of struggle, need or uncertainty, let us always remember that the hand of God is there to protect, provide and transform us . Let us let go of our own strength and entrust everything to the One who can perform miracles with what we have in our hands.