One morning I accidentally spilled boiling water all over my left hand. I felt blessed it was my left since I’m right-handed. I had second-degree burns on my hand and thumb,with the thumb suffering the most severe burns.
I was transported to ER by a dear friend. The pain was incredible. The ER nurse
lathered my hand with antibiotic cream and bandages from my wrist down to the tips ofmy fingers and thumb.
Immediately, I began to notice how much I missed my thumb! I was clumsy, couldn’t
manage the simplest chores with ease. Until then, I never gave much thought to how
important or how much I needed that one little thumb! Anything I tried to do seemed to require that thumb! And on my left hand, no less.
Days later, I was thinking about the selfless sacrifices by missionaries and pastors in the Body of Christ, dedicating their whole lives to serve Him. I was put to shame. I thought: “You’re in the minor leagues, sister. Your contributions are so insignificant compared to those saints. What noteworthy deeds have you brought into the Body of Christ?” (The voice of our Accuser, Lucifer?)
At that moment a gentle reminder crept into my mind: “Remember how useless you
were without your thumb? How frustrated it was for you to accomplish even small
tasks? Don’t mistake anonymous for unnecessary. My Body would be incomplete
without an Anonymous Thumb.”
Peace settled on me. I was again awakened to the truth that we are all essential in making The Body of Christ whole. As God said, even “...the hidden parts...” are
important. He calls each of us to different paths of service. We all fit together like puzzle pieces, locked together as family members.
Therefore, I gratefully remain, "God’s Anonymous Thumb”.
Betty Stenzel
(By Permission)