Guiding Hand

As a high school instructor, my husband taught young people how to weld.  He used to tell me, that when they began the course, he would stand behind the student, and place his guiding hand over theirs as they held the welding torch.   This hand on hand method proved most effective in demonstrating the perfect angle, and  the right contact that was necessary for a achieving a strong weld.  Over time, as the student gained confidence and skill, he would gradually remove his hand allowing them to work on their own.   Sometimes, as Christians, we are under the assumption that God just wants us to get out there and “weld”, without training to build our ministry skills. Nonsense, no one would send an unskilled person to perform a task that takes precision.  That’s not to say that people don’t rush ahead of God thinking they know exactly what he wants them to do.  Usually that is a sure recipe for disaster.  Stand still, allow him to place his hand on yours and guide them.  No one becomes a welder or craftsman immediately. It’s only after time, practice, and training from a professional that true effective skills develop.  “Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” Luke 6:40.  Offer him your hands, and watch what happens.  “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak….” Hebrews 12:13