Monday, September 18, 2017

Whose Hand Can I Hold?

Hey Friend,

Just when I think there can't be anything more, the onslaught continues.  I have been bumping and stumbling my way through this last surgery recovery for over four months now.  There have been small incremental improvements, but there's still a long way to go.

With regard to some other things going on in our lives, it's been a waiting game. Hurry up and wait.  Enter hurricane Irma and waiting on her arrival and scary passing through the night - wondering if my mom and family would be safe. More waiting and wondering.  There was much physical damage to property, but lives were spared. Praise!!

Then, enter having to go for tests to rule in or rule out endometrial or uterine cancer.  More scary tests followed by more waiting.  

As I headed off to have the tests done I grabbed onto an index card that had two scriptures on it.  While I waited anxiously for my name to be called at the radiologist, I read them over and over again.  I repeated them slowly in my mind so that they might resonate with my weary and frightened soul at that moment.  

I desperately needed something or someone to hold onto...

My heart was crying out, "Not this Lord...not now."

These are the scriptures I clung to that day and have continued to cling to:

I keep the Lord in mind always.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  (Psalm 16:8)

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."  (Isaiah 41:13)

Two scriptures that talked about God taking hold of my right hand....holding me...comforting me....calming me...slowing my racing heart.

I began to wonder, what is it about the "right hand" that is so significant?  In my research several interesting things came to mind about this "right hand" that brought me strength and comfort.  

The right hand signifies strength.  Most people are right-handed and that is the hand that normally has the greatest strength.  (Even though my husband is a lefty and he is one of the strongest men of faith I know).  

In the Bible the religious leaders were always trying to trap and trick Jesus with questions and so he once told them:

"The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'"  (Luke 20:42-42)

Being at the right hand, is the place of authority to whoever sits on the throne, and in this case, it was about God the Father and Jesus being the One who was to be and is currently seated at the right hand of the Father.  

The right hand is the hand of AUTHORITY

The ancient patriarchs usually blessed their children and grandchildren with their right hand. When Jacob (then called Israel) blessed Ephraim, he stretched out his right hand to do it.

The right hand is the hand of BLESSING

In Revelation when John saw Jesus he "fell at his feet as though dead.  But he (Jesus) laid his right hand on me, saying "Fear not, I am the first and the last" (Rev. 1:17) so by His right hand He strengthened him.  

Isaiah provides further evidence of this by writing, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)

The right hand is the hand of STRENGTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

When Aaron and his sons performed animal sacrifices, God instructed them "You shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons...." (Exodus 29:20)

When you were anointed with oil, it was done on the right side.  When the side of Jesus was pierced on the cross, it was his right side that was pierced.

The right side is the side of SACRIFICIAL SIGNIFICANCE

In the book of Revelation we see Jesus using His right hand throughout like "in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (Rev 5:1), and having taken "the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne..." (Rev 5:7)

The right hand is the HAND OF SOVEREIGNTY

In the story of Jesus separating the sheep from the goats in the book of Matthew, we see that Jesus said, "Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right and the goats on the left."  Being on the "right" side is critical to our eternal destiny.

The right side is the CHOICE SIDE IN JUDGMENT

So back to the question, Whose hand can I hold?  I felt that day and I continue to know this week, that God is upholding me with His righteous right hand. When God extends His strong right hand of blessing and takes hold of my right hand of surrender and weakness, it is like we are shaking hands.  

The shaking of hands is the first step before pulling one into an embrace.  I envision Jesus saying to me, "Bev, we're in this together.  I have hold of your right hand with my righteous right hand.  You are mine and I will not let you be shaken.  So do not fear and do not be dismayed for I am your God."

In times of trial, this is the hand that I know I can count on.  What a blessing.

What about you?  What are you facing that you need to grab hold of that right hand of authority, blessing, and strength?  Do you believe that God will uphold you and He will not let you fall or be shaken?  Ask Him right now for what you need....He's listening and will answer!

Be blessed.....and know that I am praying for you!

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Thank you for all your love and support.  It means the world to me!!

15 comments:

  1. Oh Bev, I'm so sorry ... Sometimes it seems like the plagues, doesn’t it. Thanks for sharing how keeping Scripture literally in hand can keep us focused on the One who calms the storm. I'm praying for you even as I tap away.

    Bless you, girl ...

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  2. Bev, I will uphold you in prayer through this as you have done for me recently. Thank you for your obedience to share and teach God's Word. It is a blessing to read your blog. Peace & strength! Chantal

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  3. Bev, praying for you this morning. Seems like the onslaught is great but our God is truly greater. Isaiah 41:10 has been in my heart for weeks now. He is holding us up with His victorious right hand. The victory is already won for it is in His hand!

    Much love,
    Joanne xo

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  4. Bev, I will be praying for you! How recent are the tests for cancer? Please let us know what the test results are. Much love, Joane

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  5. Awww, Bev, this post touched me. In the middle of a crazy, getting-ready-to-travel day, I needed the reminder that we can always hold God's right hand. That He offers us His strength, His peace. He guides us with His perfect sovereignty. I'm saying a prayer for you today, my friend.

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  6. Thank you, Bev, that in the middle of all your 'stuff' you took time to share such an amazing word study with us. Be blessed.....and know that I am praying for YOU!

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  7. Here's another aspect of "right hand" that is meaningful to me, perhaps to you too: If a man has God at his right hand, it means God’s shield (usually held in the left arm) is next to him. God’s sword arm (generally the right) is free to deal with the enemy. Imagine walking behind that impenetrable shield. And in his right hand, God wields His sword, ready to strike down the enemy—Satan and his demons. “He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him” (Psalm 109:31). I love that visualization of God on the offensive for us! Praising God for your testimony of faith, Bev; praying for a testimony of healing.

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  8. Dear Bev, how strong and wise and generous the Lord has empowered you to be! Can't even imagine the anxiety being thrust at you. Thank you for taking these challenges to learn from and uphold others. Prayers continue for peace and healing.

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  9. Thanks, Bev, for sharing this new development in your journey -- and for putting the truth you were given on display for the help and growth of all your readers.

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  10. Oh Bev, I'm sorry you are having to walk through yet another bump in the road. I am praying for you, believing those test results will come back clear! Hugs!

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  11. I didn't know all that the "right hand" signifies in Scripture, Bev! This is really interesting! But I'm also so sorry that you've had such a hard season in so many ways! Of course, I knew about your foot and I hope it continues to heal, but now this health scare! I will certainly be keeping you in my prayers regarding that. And you kind of left me hanging on a cliff. I don't know if you are aware of the test results yet or if you're choosing not to reveal all the details, either way, I'd love to hear the update on this when you are ready. And prayers will be lifted daily on your behalf!

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    Replies
    1. Beth,
      I tried to set up Disquis....could you let me know if you've received this comment in your in box? Email me at bevduncan103@yahoo.com if you have please so i know it's working and I will fill you in on surgery specifics. Thanks for your love and concern....
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  12. Oh Bev! You truly hit the mark! I too was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in Feb 2017. Our precious Lord has brought me through all multitude tests, doctors visits, surgery, and chemo. Total hystorectomy, they got it all out. I'm believing totally free of cancer. The Lord has been with me through it all, praised Jesus. He also showed/told me He was holding my right hand. He gave me a scripture that I continually keep in my heart: Ephesians 3:20 NLT Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope. (Amplified version translates more detailed.) He has taught me so much since the diagnosis and brought me ever closer to Him. He is my Rock and my salvation! Thank you so much for this message. It truly touches my soul. My prayers are with you. Love in Jesus, Deb

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  13. It does seem like you have been through the wringer, Bev. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  14. Bev, I didn't know you'd had this test. Praying with you for clear results. When will you find out? Please let me know. -- (And, ouch! That endometrial biopsy was the most painful test I've ever had done. HUG. ). -- Love this "Right hand" study you've shared. ((xoxo))

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