July 13th, 2013 
dsisler I must need to learn about hands, because in my Bible reading I came across another passage that spoke of hands. Not the way I wrote about yesterday, but in a different way.
Yesterday I shared several passages of what we are to do with our hands. But what I’ve discovered since then is that our hands must be strengthened for the work and only God can give the strength we need.
Nehemiah felt the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall while in exile in Babylon. His heart was heavy and with the king’s blessing and God’s guidance, Nehemiah set out to complete this large task.
There were many who opposed this and were continually on the lookout to find ways to sabotage their efforts, but this group of workers remained faithful to their task and listened intently to what Nehemiah had to say.
At one point, after responding to a letter, Nehemiah 6:9a (NIV) says, “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’”
Apparently Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and other enemies of Israel had never seen what God’s people were capable of when God was obeyed, honored and worshiped. They had not witnessed the power that God provided when Israel was faithful to Him. They were in for a surprise!
Nehemiah knew exactly what to do. He prayed. He prayed to His God and said, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9b – NIV)
When we are going through a task that seems too much for us, we too have the opportunity to ask God for this same strength. When we are weary. When we don’t think we can go any further. When life is just a bit tougher than expected. “Now strengthen my hands.”
When physical ailments seem to get us down. When we don’t know what to do. When the direction of life isn’t as clear as it should be. “Now strengthen my hands.”
All of Israel came to realize that with God’s strength they were able to do much more than what they could do on their own. The walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt in a staggering 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15) God indeed strengthened their hands.
God can be our source of strength as we go through this life. Look at these verses to see other ways God strengthens us.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b – NIV)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7a – NIV)
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – NIV)
“I pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17a – NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)
The strength we receive through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is unlimited. When we ask for it, we’ll receive it. When we are open to receiving it, we’ll use it for God’s glory. When God showers us with His strength, nothing is impossible. I am so thankful for the strength I receive through God. I pray that you know this same thankfulness.
Maybe God isn’t asking you to build a wall today, but He has probably called you to something that you don’t feel up to or adequate. But know this, if God calls you to it, He will provide the means to accomplish it. Don’t hesitate. Allow Him to do the leading and give you the strength. He will strengthen your hands.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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