There are a number of reasons why we attempt to pursue what is in our hearts, rather than starting with what is in our Hands. The first is:
What is in your hand often involves pressure, discipline and diligence: what is in your heart is romantic.
The pressure of the present is is not on what is in your heart. Your heart holds a dream to which you escape. Sometimes we get so enamored that we escape to the romance of what is in our hearts because the dreams of the heart do not feel like work; there is no pressure to achieve those dreams.
What is in our hands is present and familiar; what is in our hearts is distant and mysterious.
We often take for granted that which is familiar to us. Familiarity can cause us to fail to appreciate fully what we have in our hands.
What is in your hand can seem self-indulgent; what is in your heart can seem noble.
I believe when it comes to focusing on our gifts and talents, we feel that we are too self-focused and self-indulgent. And this can be the case if we take our focus outside of Jesus and his cause and pursue instead the path to fame and fortune.
On the flip side, what is in our heart is often attached to a noble cause; it is about making a difference to others.
What is in your hand looks like you; what is in your heart looks like the way you would like to look.
What is in your hand looks like you because it is you! It is the way the Father made you. Human nature tends not to like the way we look. This dissatisfaction with our appearance can cause us to look in the mirror and focus on our imperfections. We can try and build an image around how we would like to look or have others see us.
What is in your hand carries the weight of expectation; what is in your heart is unexpected.
Maybe your friends and peers have expectations in relation to your gifts and talents. The expectation of others may even lead to a little rebellion as you try and break out of the box you feel you have been put in. Those same expectations may cause you to pursue what is in your heart prematurely and out of the wrong motive.
What is in your hand is natural; what is in your heart is spiritual.
We can devalue what is in our hands by seeing it as natural when compared to the spiritual gifts such as evangelism, prophecy and healing of the sick. Your own gift may seem to lack spiritual significance or weight. However, every gift has value and a spiritual dimension when you have the cause of Christ in your heart. Regardless of whether your gift is in plumbing, carpentry or accounting, when you are faithful with it, the Lord will use it for his purposes.
Finally, I encourage you to begin serving if you are not already. Luke 16:10 says "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much." Start serving in church or volunteering your time to a charity or applying your gifts in your workplace. Start being faithful and diligent there, and I believe God will open the door to what is in your heart.
What is in your hand? Is it a musical gift? An ability for numbers? Business acumen? The gift of hospitality? Great communication skills? An ability to listen and comfort? It could be one or more of a multitude of things. I honestly believe that we all need to consider what is in our hands right now. See the potential of what God has given and how it could lead to the opportunity to fulfil what is in your heart on a much bigger scale."
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