The Hand in the Glove

Bible Reading: John 15:1-5

Dad walked into Pedro’s room to say good night. “You’ve been quiet tonight, Pedro. What’s on your mind?”

“I was just thinking about the missionary who spoke at church this week,” Pedro said. “I really enjoyed hearing about the work he’s doing and how people in the village where he lives are putting their faith in Jesus. It made me wonder if God wants me to be a missionary someday.”

Dad saw the puzzled frown on Pedro’s face. “You don’t seem very excited about the idea.”

“Well, it seems like a hard job—learning a new language and getting used to a different country. Sometimes you have to deal with heat and bugs and snakes—though I wouldn’t mind those so much. But I might not be good at missionary work. What if God calls me to do something I can’t do?”

Dad thought for a moment, then reached over to Pedro’s desk and picked up his baseball mitt. “What’s this?” asked Dad.

Pedro laughed. “It’s my baseball glove.”

Dad walked over to the corner of the room and propped the glove against the wall. “Let’s see,” he said, looking around. “This will work.” He took a ball and tossed it at the glove. Although the ball hit the center of the glove, it rolled to the floor. Dad picked up the glove and shook his head in disgust. “This glove is a total failure.”

Pedro furrowed his eyebrows. “The glove can’t catch the ball by itself, Dad. It has to have a hand inside.”

Dad smiled. “You’re right. You put your hand inside the glove to give it guidance and strength—you give it power to catch the ball. In the same way, God will give you the ability to do whatever He calls you to do—and all Christians are called to tell others about Jesus and show them His love, no matter where we are. He has a purpose for your life, Pedro, just like this glove has a purpose. God will never prop you in a corner and leave you alone. His mighty hand does the work when you’re willing to be used. Trust Him to give you the strength and power you need, whether it’s to tell people about Jesus in another country or just down the street.”

-Catherine Runyon

How About You?

Have you thought about God’s plan for your life? He may call you to help people in a special way as a pastor or missionary, and He calls all Christians to love others and tell people about Him. But He doesn’t expect you to do those things on your own—you can only do them through His power. So don’t be afraid of God’s calling in your life. He will guide you and give you the strength you need to do whatever it is He wants you to do.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 15:5 [Jesus said,] “Without Me you can do nothing.” (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus gives power