“Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other” (Matthew 12:13)
So YOU are part of His family—you’re in the house—you’re a worshipper—a recognized part of the Body. You are willing and available to serve but function at 50%, and nobody seems to notice. You find yourself using about half of the creative power and gifting that God has given you, and maybe you even find yourself at times nursing your weakness.
Something or someone has hindered your way—left unused the gifting is shriveled, weak and almost lifeless. The life and energy that once flowed has been shut off, twisted and torn. There will always be those around who hate to see restoration and wholeness coming to God’s people. “Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him how they might destroy Him” (John 11:14). The legalists are weak, crippled and twisted—not in limb but in heart—they control by creed all those that would stretch out their faith and go for God.
Your hands are given to you to produce by faith and to create by grace His Glory. Hear the voice of the Lord this morning and —“Stretch out your crippled hand.” Man is never good enough, smart enough or pure enough—the grace that saved you from death is the same grace that will cause you to stand up and stretch out your hand!