Matthew 12:9 says that there was a man with a withered hand. Think about it a moment. His hand was atrophied and paralyzed. He could not use it. Verse 13 says, “Then He said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other.”

Amazing miraculous healing. Think about the areas in your life that are “withered.” It could be areas were you lack faith. Doubt, fear, unbelief have crept in. Reluctance to do something indicates self-reliance which withers faith.

Joshua was the next leader after Moses died. Joshua 1:3 says, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” Then in verse 6, 7, and 9 the Lord spoke to Joshua to be strong and of good courage. Verse 9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I love Isaiah 41:10. It says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

We stretch out the area of our heart that has withered by undergirding it through God’s word. What does His word say to you? This morning I read 1 Peter 1:13. It says, “Gird up the loins of your mind…” That means to me: I need to arm my thoughts with truth from God’s word. Be alert to any thought entering my mind that opposes God’s word, His ways, and His will. Bring it captive! Make it bow in defeat! Don’t give it another thought!

Stretch out that gift that has laid dormant. What has He called you to do that you have not done? We block active faith each time we rely on ourselves. Apart from Him we are withered (John 15:5).

Right now as I type this, the report of hurricane Dorian is forecasting disaster. Yet, the Lord who has created all things is on the scene. Through concerted prayer, we have the privilege to stand in the gap before Him for the state of Florida.

It is good to remember Who the Lord is. Jesus calmed the storm with a word. Mark 4:39 says, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still! And the wind ceased and there was a calm.”