Judges 4:21. “Then Jael Heber’s wife took a nail of the tent, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.”
A HAMMER AND A NAIL. Some people and things pass quickly by like ships in the night – For a short time, close together, then soon gone out of sight.
Nothing was accomplished, each just happened to pass that way – So, we’ve looked and briefly talked, with not very much to say.
Others connect briefly, and significant things are done – Like plants that open up and fruit ripening in the sun. We meet at a conference gathering and interact for a day or two – Then go our separate ways to home or work or school.
Some contacts made however, though short, have great effect. Some things and folks are different, but change things when they connect. A saw and a piece of wood only meet for quite a short time – One goes away forever changed while the other remains the same.
A hammer and a nail had brief contact in the hands of a woman named Jael. Each was of little account alone; the hammer was needed by the nail. With a few brief contacts together, they changed a nation’s history. Then each went back to doing whatever, they had been involved in previously.
I may never know the value of a simple word spoken in due season. It may be in the future my Lord will let me know what was the real reason. A brief encounter happened that didn’t last for very long – But one who had a need or was weak, was helped by one who was strong.
A stop may happen on a road and another gives a helping hand. One may not remember it at all, but the other in a distant land May see a need and remember, someone helped me in the name of the Lord, And the result will be astounding as they pass on a faithful word.
Don’t forget the little things, or leave undone a simple task. Don’t ignore a need or some question that even a child might ask. God has used before simple tools like a nail and a hammer – And He can use what’s in your hand to change someone forever.
“There are times O God, when I wonder whether what I am doing has little value. I am not always able to judge the necessity of a work but I know every need is known to Thee. If I am leaving some area of work undone, or if there is some need that arises quickly, please give me the nudge I need or in some way make me aware of how to deal with those things. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”