“All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, ‘What then will this child turn out to be?’ For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.” — Luke 1:66

When the people of Judea witnessed the extraordinary circumstances surrounding John the Baptist’s birth, they asked a question that echoes through the ages: “What will this child become?”

Their wonder wasn’t mere curiosity; it was the recognition that indeed God’s Hand was resting upon this child’s life.

The imperfect tense indicates continuous, ongoing action in the past.

It wasn’t just that the hand of the Lord “touched” John at his birth; it was and continued to be with him.

This underscores the permanence and abiding nature of this divine commissioning.

John was born to elderly parents, a couple that society had written off as “too old” and “beyond hope.”

Yet, the moment the child came under the shadow of God’s Hand, human limitations lost their power.

His story was no longer defined by biology, family history, or public opinion.

When God’s Hand is with you, earthly predictions cannot confine divine purpose.

Throughout Scripture, the “hand of the Lord” represents God’s active power and personal presence.

 To have “the hand of the Lord upon” someone indicates being under His special authority and assignment (seen with prophets like Elijah (1 Kings 18:46) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:3).

It’s the “mighty right Hand” that delivered Israel from Egypt, upheld prophets in their calling, and shaped ordinary people into vessels of extraordinary purpose.

And this wasn’t just ancient history; it’s a present reality for every child of God today.

“The hand of the Lord is with you, and that’s what changes everything“

The community’s question; “What will this child become?” arose because they sensed something extraordinary and unmistakable.

God’s favor always points to God’s assignment.

John would grow into the forerunner of Christ, the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing hearts for the Messiah.

His greatness wasn’t measured by status or applause, but by perfect alignment with his calling and God’s timing.

He didn’t seek personal glory; he declared; “He [Christ] must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is the heart of true achievement under God’s hand – fulfilling the specific purpose for which you were formed – to bring glory to the Father.

Here’s the beautiful truth: the same Hand that was upon John is available to you and me through the Holy Spirit!

Yes, it is, my darling.

And when God’s Hand rests on your life, there is no ceiling on what you can accomplish within His divine purpose.

Mark that- within His divine purpose.

This isn’t about achieving anything you can imagine, but about fulfilling everything He has ordained.

God’s hand opens doors you could never open yourself.

It provides strength beyond your natural capacity and grants influence no human strategy could orchestrate.

Like little David facing the giant Goliath or the previously timid Peter boldly stepping out to preach at Pentecost, your inadequacies become the very canvas on which God displays His sufficiency.

Perhaps this Christmas finds you feeling delayed, overlooked, or limited by your circumstances.

Maybe your background seems limiting or your resources seem insufficient.

Take heart: when God places His Hand upon your life, no barrier is final, no past is disqualifying, and no opposition can halt what He has ordained.

The question for you isn’t “What can I become?” but rather; “How far will God’s Hand take me as I walk faithfully with Him?”

The answer, dear brother, is limitless; not because of who you are, but because of whose you are.

This Christmas season, surrender to His marking, yield to His shaping, and rely on His empowering.

Your purpose is secure, and your potential in Him is boundless.

The hand of the Lord is with you, and that’s what changes everything.

Hallelujah!