By Ann Farabee

Powerful Privilege

‘Be strong and work for I am with you’ are words from Haggai 2:4.

They give us a daily plan to follow.

We do not have to do it alone.

The Lord is with us.

Maybe we need to put those words on our refrigerator, in our pockets, and on our hearts.

The glory of God – the presence of Jesus – is in our midst – at all times.

We are blood bought.

We are born again.

Jesus thought we were to die for – and He did.

God gave us two hands that are connected to our body by two arms.

For that, I sure am grateful.

A few years ago I had an injury causing temporary loss of mobility in my arm.

I needed that arm – and the hand that was attached to it.

It was difficult.

I no longer felt strong. 

I could not serve my family.

I could not serve others.

I could not do simple tasks I had taken for granted.

I could not lift my arms in praise.

I could not be the hands and feet of Jesus.

How could I serve Jesus – as I tried to do when I had strength?

I bowed my head and asked the Lord that question.

I waited for the response, not realizing it would bring tears along with it.

The answer came into my spirit, “Don’t you remember? When you are weak, I am strong. Life will not always be about spiritual weakness, but may also be about physical weakness.”

“Yes, Lord,” I cried, “That is where I am. My physical strength in my arm is gone.”

That was when the Lord spoke these words into my spirit, “Not only are you my hands and feet, but I am also your hands and feet.”

It was simply stated. It took me a second to understand, but I knew it was from the Lord.

I can do nothing on my own – but through the hands and feet of Jesus – I can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Not only am I to be strong and to work for Him,  but Jesus is my strength and He works full time on my behalf.

Jesus walked from town to town each day, sharing God’s Love by not only using words, but also by using His hands and feet, showing us the power and importance of serving with humility.  Jesus touched lepers. He touched criminals. He touched the poor. He touched the powerless. He knelt beside the little children. He was often on His knees.

Jesus worked.

Jesus got dirty.

Jesus got tired.

The same opportunity is offered to us.

We can serve others with love and compassion – like Jesus did.

Not just with words – but also with our hands and feet.

It is a powerful privilege.