Have you ever thought about the importance of hands? Have you taken notice of the type of hands that a person has? Does that reveal something about that person?
During my five days of clinic, split between Vanadzor and Stepanavan, the most noteworthy and striking thing that stood out to me was the condition of the hands of those whom I was serving. As I measured vitals for over 300 patients, I was able to not only see their hands, but to feel and examine them – up close and personally.
It was immediately clear to me that these hands were not the hands I have been used to touching and seeing. No – these hands were completely different. These hands were big. These hands were strong. This skin was tough and calloused. These knuckles were fleshy and full. These palms were dry and cracked. Yet, each of these 600+ hands, minus some fingers I might add, reached out to God.
In Psalm 90 verse 17 Moses writes, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!“
The condition of the hands of the Armenians I encountered revealed insights about my people. Upon identifying so many worn out hands, I could not stop asking myself this question: what must hands do to reach such a state?
Hands work in the field, in the office, in the home. Hands prepare food for loved ones. Hands take care of children and elders. Hands play instruments. Hands create works of art. Hands pray. Hands lift up to worship the Lord our God. These hands serve Jesus Christ.
Although not perfectly manicured and well moisturized, the hands of my Armenian brothers and sisters in Christ were beautiful and perfectly sculpted by our Creator in Heaven.
Now, after this experience, I have come to realize the importance in asking God, through devout prayer, for blessing on any work He assigns. We cannot accomplish anything with everlasting significance until we pray.
As revealed through God’s word in concert with my experience with the hands in Armenia, God is passionate, God gives joy, and God pours out blessings on those who serve Him. It then becomes clear that God bestows these gifts to those who honor Him, even if those gifts do not materialize in the form of a prosperous and “easy” life.
As we put our faith in Jesus and use our hands according to His purpose and to worship Him, we find hope and steadfast love. Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever; and His faithfulness to all generations”
Astvats orhnee dzez!
Corrie Phillips
June 12, 2022