When we surrender control and take our hands off of circumstances and people … guess what we have? Empty hands. That’s the measure of acceptance. It’s the symbolic gesture of a heart that is yielded to God, and ready to move forward. Do you know what God can do with empty hands? He can fill them. He can use them. Those empty hands are free to touch and do things they’ve never experienced before … things they may have always wanted to do … maybe the very things God designed them to do. They might just do more … and hold more … than we ever dared to dream or imagine.
At first, it’s always hard to have empty hands. Those old feelings & emotions are always there, ready and eager to jump in and fill the void. But no matter what empty hands feel like, the truth is that none of the things we’ve let go of … none of the circumstances that we’ve accepted … are gone, lost, forgotten, hopeless, or beyond His reach. Keep reminding yourself that God has a plan that you can’t see.
Mary and Martha buried Lazarus. When Jesus got there, they weren’t happy to see Him … from their perspective, He had failed to show up in time. But the Lord had other plans … and His resurrection power was demonstrated for all to see. God is never as concerned about our circumstances as He is about our hearts … and our relationship with Him.
“Let endurance [cheerful hope, patience, constancy, patient continuous, waiting] have its perfect [complete, of full age, completeness – of labor, growth, character] result, that you may be perfect [complete, of full age, completeness – of labor, growth, character] and complete [complete in every part, sound, entire, whole], lacking [fail, be absent, be destitute, wanting] in nothing.”
James 1:4
What are you holding on to? Fix your eyes on Him … regardless of how you feel. Lift those empty hands out in front of you when you’re wracked with uncertainty and fear. Literally. Show Him your palms, and remind yourself that you’ve chosen to accept what He has for you. Believe that He will, in His time, take care of the ache in your chest … and that those empty hands will be full, busy and productive. He’s got this.
Oh my goodness, Kelly! This post made me cry. It is so beautiful! And so well written! You should submit to P31′s magazine. I just never thought of this imagery but it is so powerful. I have been holding on to loss, grief. And now I see myself…opening my empty hands to Him. Asking Him to use me. To fill them with His will, His purpose for my life. Thank you so much for sharing!! I’d love to have you guest post on Teagan’s Travels if you would be interested!
Hugs, Michelle Axton Kelly
hanging on to grief & loss is where this came from. I’m so blessed that it blessed you … isn’t is a wonderful feeling to have someone *get* what you write?? lol I’d love to guest post … glad we’re connected!
Linking up after you at “finding joy” – this is so beautifully written. Your first paragraph, especially, really resonated with me – so true, and so clearly illustrated. Thank you …
<3 Cherry
This convicts me. And is something that I struggle mightily with daily. But it’s important and I thank you for your thoughtful words. You are right, God is never as concerned with our circumstances as He is with our hearts. Something I’m going to do a better job remembering. Thank you for linking up with NOBH!
It’s an ongoing, daily struggle for me too … hugs & prayers to you, Amy!
Love it Kelly. Over the summer I got the privelege to go on a few trips with our church youth group. During those trips I was supposed to be leading the youth but often found myself being taught. One of the most hard hitting lessons for me was “Giving it to God.” To me “Empty Hands” and “Giving it to God” are one in the same. To many times I have tried to fix my problems and situations by keeping control. (Doing it myself!) However, the more I do that I find that I just end up with more worry and nothing accomplished.
But everytime I have set down, prayed and gave it to God my outlook is always better and most of the “Huge” problems I was going through just don’t seem to be all that big of a deal.
Anyway, Love what you are doing here and keep it up. Hope it is ok that i chimed in?
Of course it is, my friend! You & I are a lot alike … & I appreciate your encouragement. Love what He is doing in your life!
I loved this post, and was so touched by the message. It’s one i needed to hear to remind me that He does have a plan….even for someone like me. I struggle with that in a huge way. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written message.