March 19
Your Hands
Made Me
"Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding so that I can learn your commands."
Psalm 119:73 (NIrV)
Donald sat on the edge of his bed, the wedding invitation in his hand. The beautiful script bore the names Donald and Rita, surrounded by delicate floral designs. In just a month, he was supposed to marry Rita, the woman he thought he’d spend his life with. But a knot tightened in his chest.
Donald had met Rita at a local community event. Her warmth and kindness had drawn him in, and their connection grew quickly. But as their relationship deepened, so did their differences. Donald was a devout Christian, raising his son, Fin, in a home where God’s Word guided their decisions. Rita, though supportive of Donald’s faith, didn’t share it and often dismissed the importance of involving God in major life decisions.
Donald had tried to ignore the nagging feeling in his heart. “Love is enough,” he told himself. But doubts kept surfacing—especially during his quiet times with God. One evening, as he prayed, Donald opened his Bible to Psalm 119:73:
"Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding so that I can learn your commands."
The words struck a chord. He realized he hadn’t sought God’s guidance about the most important decision of his life. Was this relationship aligned with God’s plan for him and his family?
Donald wrestled with the decision for days, pouring his heart out in prayer. He loved Rita deeply, but he also loved God and wanted his life to reflect God’s design. One evening, he finally gathered the courage to speak to her.
“Rita,” Donald began, his voice heavy with emotion, “I love you, but I’ve been praying and seeking God’s will. I feel that our lives are heading in two different directions. I want a marriage built on shared faith and a mutual commitment to God. And as much as it pains me to say this, I don’t think we can provide that for each other.”
Rita’s eyes filled with tears. She didn’t argue but nodded solemnly. “I understand, Donald. I’ve always admired your faith, and I know how much it means to you. I just wish things were different.”
The days that followed were hard. Donald questioned his decision, mourning the loss of the future he’d imagined. But as he continued to pray and lean on God, a peace began to settle in his heart. He knew he had made the right choice, trusting the hands that had formed him to guide him toward what was best.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for creating me with care and purpose.
Like Donald, I sometimes face difficult choices that test my faith and resolve.
Please give me understanding and wisdom to follow Your commands, even when the path is hard.
Help me trust that Your plans are better than my own and that You will guide me toward what is good and right.
Strengthen my heart and give me peace as I walk in obedience to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
