STRONG HAND
Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place.”
Exodus 13:3a (ESV)
“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by Your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!”
Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT)
These verses are written in remembrance of God’s strength and name, and His hand in creation, miracles, deeds, provision and promises. Exodus 13:3 is the first of four occurrences in the same chapter that mention God’s hand. By a strong hand, the Lord brought them out… out of this place (verse 3), out of Egypt (verse 9), out from the house of slavery (verse 14), and again out of Egypt (verse 16).
The one phrase all these verses have in common is that they begin with (or by) a strong hand. God is all-powerful and His words and breath alone created the world, the heavens, man and all the inhabitants of the earth. Perhaps the idea of knowing more about God’s hand will spur a word study of your own. Here are a few references that might get you started.
STRENGTH: He stretches out His hand against our enemies. (Psalm 138:7).
PROTECTION: His sheep will never be snatched from His hand (John 10:27-28).
GROWTH: The hand of the Lord is on His church (Acts 11:21).
COMFORT: He holds the believer’s right hand, saying, “Do not fear” (Isaiah 41:13).
CREATION: His hand made all things (Isaiah 48:13).
LEADING: His hand leads and upholds His beloved (Psalm 139:10).
HEALING: Jesus stretches out His healing hand (Matthew 8:3).
There are so many more verses about His hands or the hand of God…over 100 instances.
Not long ago, I had a few friends over, and we sat around the kitchen table and just bragged on our God and His hand in different situations, His provision, the miracles He had done and the breakthroughs we’ve had. That’s true fellowship that makes us all look at the world a little differently—more alertly on the lookout for God’s hand in every situation and in every place.
APPLICATION: Can you see His hand at work in your life? If the answer is yes, have you shared it with someone?
PRAYER: Lord, when I see my hands, let them remind me of Yours and the wonderful things You have done. Walk with me today—I want to go through it as if You’re holding my hand. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?