Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 10:27–30

Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? In a season of panic and confusion, when everything was spinning out of control, I sought help from a friend, who assured me: “You are safe. It’s in God’s hands.” 

I wanted to punch her.

Here’s the thing: I know God holds me. I understand that His love for me and my family is incomprehensible on this side of the veil. But since when does being in God’s hands guarantee safety? After all, Jesus was in God’s hands, and He died! I’m getting the feeling that God’s hands are not so safe after all. 

This Sunday’s gospel has me thinking about the hands of God. As Jesus explains to the Jews what it means to be one of His sheep, He makes a bold claim: “No one can take them out of my hand” (John 10:28). He doesn’t say this once, but twice: “No one can take them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). In other words, Jesus and the Father are one, and we, His sheep, cannot be plucked, pulled, or torn away. It is here, in His hands, that we are immune to the enemy’s attempts to remove us from God’s care and provision. But wait, there’s more. We are also given a promise: eternal life. Note that the promise has nothing to do with temporary physical safety and everything to do with imperishable spiritual security.

Hmmm, perhaps being in God’s hands isn’t so bad after all.

As I grow older, it becomes increasingly apparent that my faith, which is a total gift from God, shapes my perspective. When I choose to view life through an eternal lens, the desire for security shifts from a focus on safety to one of salvation. I find this especially comforting when I apply it to my adult children. Do I want them to steer clear of danger? Of course! Do I pray for their purity? Daily! But what they choose, life or death, is not up to me; it’s not even up to God. Out of His love, for my children—and yours, too—they have been given free will. The freedom to follow their shepherd and the freedom not to. The freedom to listen to His voice and the freedom to ignore it. After all, a love that is not free is a love with conditions, which we all know is not love at all. But here’s the good news: regardless of which path they choose and voice to follow, God the Father, who is love, remains constant. Unlike our hands, His are steady. He does not panic when a sheep is lost—He does not search for them frantically—He stays put, patiently waiting for their return. He does not forget them, no matter how far they wander. He calls them by name, He loves them, they belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1,4).

What does this mean for the lost loved one? What does this mean for you, who grieve? It means that no matter where they roam, you need not be afraid, because God’s got them. He sees them—the pain, the bad choices, the danger, the fear, the loneliness, the ache, the addiction, the depression, the disobedience, the confusion, everything. He sees it, He feels it, He carried it and died for it. He does not take His eyes off them, not even for a second, and no one shall snatch them out of His hand, for they belong to Him and He is greater than all (John 10:29). 

When hearing “it’s in God’s hands” makes me want to punch someone, it’s because I have forgotten the power, healing, and miracles that come from God’s hand. How do you picture the hand of God? Do you look at the world, the tragedies, the violence, and chaos and wonder if His hand is good? Do you grip onto your loved ones, taking matters into your own hands? I get it. Putting a loved one in God's hands requires releasing them from our own. And that feels risky. 

If you are struggling with the hand of God, I suggest meditating on what Scripture says about it.

God’s hands are the source of creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

God’s hands are the ultimate protection. “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you'” (Isaiah 41:13).

God’s hands are power and intervention. “Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (Exodus 15:6).

God’s hands are unwavering care. “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:16).

God’s hands heal. “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them” (Luke 4:40).

God’s hands help carry the weight of our burdens. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up” (Psalm 68:19).

God’s hands wipe away the pain and make all things new. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

God’s hands hold and do not let go. “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8).

My friend was right. I am safe in God’s hands. You are, too. And our lost lambs? He’s all over them. The enemy will attempt to convince us that our situation is too far beyond our reach. Let’s reject that lie and hold onto the promise: They shall not perish, and no one shall snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 

Food for thought or journaling . . . 

How do you picture the hand of God? 

In what area of life are you most tempted to self-rely and take matters into your own hands? 

How can God’s promise of eternal life strengthen you in your earthly trials?

Heavenly Father, when everything is spinning out of control and I am afraid, remind me that You are holding all things together and we are safe in Your miraculous, healing, and all-powerful hands. Amen.

P.S. I can’t stress enough the importance of praying Scripture over ourselves and loved ones. If you need to be reminded of the goodness of God, check out our free printables, especially the I Declares. I pray with these daily.