The shop routine always started with a Bible reading, customers were welcomed with grace, and “if there were problems, we prayed over them together”.
Working in her father’s watchmaker’s shop in the 1920s was foundational in Corrie Ten Boom’s life. She learned patience as she repaired delicate time pieces, and how to depend upon the Lord for every task. “When my hand was not steady and I had to do a very exacting piece of work, . . . I prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, will You lay Your hand on my hand?’ He always did, and our joined hands worked securely. Jesus never fails us for a moment.”
That watchmaker’s shop was infused with the peace and joy of Christ’s presence, not unlike Paul’s teaching to the church in Colossae: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly. . . . And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:16–17). Whatever you do. From serving customers at work to supporting family at home, Jesus is in every action. We can always ask for His hands to steady and strengthen us.
In the watchmaker’s shop, Corrie Ten Boom realised that “God’s love and power are available to us in the trivial things of everyday life”. What ordinary tasks lie ahead of you today? When we meet the Lord there, these can become uplifting moments of His grace and provision.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
Are ordinary or trivial tasks more often a source of joy or frustration? How might praying for Jesus’ help transform both them and your perspective towards them?
Jesus, thank You for being in every action and every moment. Please lay Your hands over mine for the things I must do today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Colossians 3, Paul reminded his readers of their status as a people chosen by God (v. 12). Because we’re chosen, we have certain obligations that are relational in nature. Since we have a reconciled relationship to God, to whom we were once enemies (1:21), we’re to be in healthy relationship to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, Paul instructed us to put on the virtues listed as we would put on literal garments ( 3:12–14). The characteristics he shared are critical to establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. Our restored relationship to God should lead us to extend compassion, kindness, and patience to our fellow believers. This, however, means that we’ll necessarily need to “bear with each other” when conflicts and misunderstandings arise (v. 13). We can’t put on these virtues without love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14).
Tim Gustafson
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