Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives; and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.

My younger brother had a tool franchise for six years and often when I'd visit him, we'd go out into the van after supper and put away stock together. He'd call out the number, I'd tick it off and put it away. If it was a tool with which I was unfamiliar, I'd ask what it would be used for. Several had many uses, like the little pliers which the mechanics use for small wires and nuts and bolts, but which I use for making jewellery.

A friend quipped to me that she didn't always handle situations correctly. "I have the tools," she said, "I just don't use them."

Different tools. Different uses.

Everything we experience is given to us to learn from that we may utilize it at another time. Every joy, every sorrow, every friendship, every embarrassment, every hurt, every happiness; everything. It is up to us to see the positive in each situation as a "tool" to be tucked away in our memory, our "toolbox", to use the next time a similar circumstance occurs to us or someone whom we may be able to help.

In Isaiah, God is telling us to spread his word; to help others who are suffering physically, mentally or emotionally; to help those who are bound by sickness or circumstance; to help free those who are "captive" or "imprisoned" emotionally, physically, socially or addictively.

He has given each one of us unique experiences, circumstances, "tools". What's in your toolbox?

Prayer: Guide us Lord, to use our knowledge and our abilities to help those who are unable to help themselves, who are "stuck" for a time, who just need a friend. May we always remember the tools we have been given, and when and how to use them. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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