If you recall, I’ve been reading through “Smart Women Keep it Simple”[i] by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank. This book is filled with practical advice for women who have so much to do in their lives that it seems overwhelming. It’s in those moments when more than anything, we need to give our lives over to God and allow Him to be in control.

However, Annie shares some examples of women who were willing to allow God to work through the instruments in their hands. Six women who opened their hands for God’s use. I want to share these women of faith with you.

Jael (Judges 4). You may or may not know the story of this woman. She was a contemporary of the judge Deborah. With God’s leading and help, the two of them were able to defeat Israel’s enemy.

While in battle against the Canaanites, Deborah and Israel’s army defeated Sisera’s army on the battlefield. But the leader of the enemy army escaped.

In his fleeing, Sisera sought refuge within the tent of Jael. After Sisera fell asleep, Jael used a tent peg to kill the one remaining enemy of Israel.

“Her (Jael) act of courage marked the turning point for Israel. The Scripture says, ‘On that day God subdued Jabin, the Canaanite king, before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites grew stronger and stronger against Jabin, the Canaanite king, until they destroyed him’ (Judges 4:23, 24).”[ii]

Abigail (1 Samuel 25). David was on the run from King Saul and needed food and water for his men and himself. He asked Abigail’s husband Nabal for this kindness. Nabal insulted David and in return, David set a course to destroy Nabal and his livelihood.

When Abigail heard of the actions and words of her husband, she sprung into action. She gathered what food there was and took it directly to David. She humbled herself before him to save her family.

“Abigail not only saved her household, but protected God’s anointed from having to live with the guilt of a senseless slaughter. David was saved from carrying out his revenge through the brave and timely action of Abigail.”[iii]

Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43). A kind woman who was “always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:37 – NIV) Dorcas became ill and died. Those around her were left without a caregiver.

Peter was nearby and asked to come to do whatever he could. Peter was told by the widows of the work Dorcas did. He was shown the robes and other clothing Dorcas made for them.

“Peter sent them out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning to the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha (Dorcas), get up.’ She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.” (Acts 9:40-41 – NIV)

“If we had to list kingdom gifts we couldn’t do without, we probably wouldn’t rate sewing in the top ten. Preaching, perhaps, or Bible teaching, street witnessing, or serving on the foreign field. Crafting clothing wouldn’t be on a list of world-changing ventures, to our way of thinking, but God must not agree…Dorcas was brought back from the dead…to sew.”[iv]

Rose Totino. Rose was the co-founder of the Totino Pizza Company. During a rough period in the company history, Rose heard the Gospel and her heart was changed.

“God didn’t call Rose to board up the bakery and move to the African jungles. He simply asked her to take the skills in her hand, and the money and prestige she gained from the business, and use her gifts to further His cause…by contributing generously to Christian organizations, and speaking bout Christ to people around the world.”[v]

Grandma Moses. A 78-year-old widow, Grandma Moses changed her world by using a paintbrush. Her primitive paintings brought financial relief for herself and allowed her to be used by God in serving others through the art world.

“She kept busy with something in her hand, serving others, and was therefore ready when the call came to change her world.”[vi]

Lynn Heitritter. Lynn and her husband founded Becomers, a one-year recovery program and ministry for sexually abused women. She is the author of Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse (Lynn Heitritter and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse (Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House Publishers, 1989).

“Lynn is changing her world, but she didn’t start with an organizational chart or an appearance on Donahue. She did it with what she had in her hand—a home, a stable family, and a heart that could feel the pain of another. That was enough.”[vii]

The women we’ve just read about certainly opened their hearts and their hands to the needs they saw around them. They were willing to do their part and allow God to take them where they would never have seen themselves. With God as their partner, they were able to change their worlds by using their hands.

We may not feel adequate. We may not see a need. We may not believe there is anything we can do. But I guarantee there is. God is just waiting for you and me to say, “Here are my hands…show me what You want me to do.”

Sometimes our hands are just full of stuff, but if we allow God use the stuff for His purpose and Kingdom, you’ll be amazed at what He can do.

So, what’s in your hand?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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