When I used to stay with my grandparents, I was assigned to ensure the flowers were always kept nicely. My grand dad will always inspect what I did because he is an orderly man. When I am done with any episode of my work cutting the bushy flowers, you will see my handy work. I did my work. That was the work of my hands. I did it to the best of my ability to the satisfaction of my grand dad. What we do as believers is what God has commanded us to do according to His special abilities in us.
When we speak of the phrase ‘work of hands’, we do not only mean it is for only those who have hands but even for those who are physically handicapped with their hands. The work of our hands is what we do for living. It is our vocation. God has called each one of us to do something for ourselves to honour His name. He gives us gifts according to our special abilities.
“The celebration of man is glimpse compared to what God will do for us.”
In Genesis 4:19-22, the Bible says,
19 Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and [a]flute. 22 And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.
Even though by this time, there was still no sign of hope for humanity in the immediate term, God’s grace was extended to man to enjoy marriage, love and child bearing. Man married and gave birth to children who became productive on the earth. From one man Lamech, came Jabal, Jubal, Tubal-Cain. All these people represent signs of production and fruitfulness of the hands.
There are three categories of people who pioneered things we still enjoy and are advancing and innovating:
Jabal
Jabal was the man for those who dwell in tents and have livestock. Talk of the likes of Abraham and Job, and you will realise that Jabal was the father or pioneer of them all. The Bible does not tell how he created these things and reared animals but I am pretty sure this was special ability from God to humanity. He was a pioneer in housing and animal farming.
Jubal
Jubal was the father of music or instrument lovers. He played the harp and the flute. Did he make them, I cannot tell but the Bible says he played them. Entertainment started somewhere and we can always refer to Jubal.
Tubbal-Cain
And lastly, Tubbal-Cain was the man who instructed people in bronze and iron. Technological work started here. Iron work started here. These are massive signs of production and fruitfulness of the hands of people under the curse of disobedience.
What is your work?
By now, you should ask yourself: what is the work of my hands? Am I being fruitful? Do people complain or compliment me for the work I do? In whatever you do, discover your work and stay fruitful in it. If we don’t know what God has given us, we cannot show up and be fruitful. We must first find it and innovate.
Tips On Finding The Work Of Your Hands
#1. It Is Already There
God made this earth and blessed man to take charge (Genesis 1:26-27). Thus, everything we need to fulfill His mandate for us is already in existence.
#2. You Need To Find It
Discovery is where the work is. We start off by being jack of all trades and master of none until we settle on our trade. This takes work and time. I discovered my talent of writing when I went to the University. Just do what you love doing and you will eventually find what is already there.
#3. You Need To Use It
Finding it and not using it becomes useless. Many people are sadly entering the grave with many things undone. Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.
#4. You Need To Fulfill It
Fulfilling what you discover is using it to the full. Don’t aim at 50% but go the extra mile. It’s painful and lonely sometimes but press on. The celebration of man is glimpse compared to what God will do for us. We have an ultimate reward from God.
#5. You Need To Glorify God
Finally, we must glorify God for the grace and the daily mercies to be able to do our part. Paul said he achieved everything by the grace of God. All glory must go to God and not ourselves or any man.
Ever wondering what the work of your hands is? Ask God in prayer and follow the tips above to help you.
May the grace of God abound towards you to find it and use it to the glory of God.
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