One thing I’ve always wanted to learn, but haven’t yet, is to shoot a bow and arrow. Archery skills fascinate me. Back before firearms were available, people hunted and protected themselves via the bow and arrow. Those who used them had accurate aim and were confident in their ability.
I can shoot a pistol with pretty accurate precision, but in my mind’s perspective, shooting an arrow is more difficult! The premise would be the same: aim and shoot. But there is skill in holding the arrow, pulling the bow string at just right degree and knowing when to let go! I’m not there!
There is significance, Biblically in shooting a bow and arrow, as discussed in 2 Kings 13:15-19. There was a call to action by a dying Elisha to the king. Elisha’s directive was to “take up the bow and arrow.” He was telling the king to not be sad about his death, but to arm himself, go forward into battle with faith in God Almighty. He encouraged him to know that God would go before him, if he believed and was prepared.
Listening, however, can be especially difficult! When I consider a small child who is told again and again to not do something, (like touching a hot oven) very often, he tries anyway. Ultimately the little ones ends up with burnt fingers, hopefully not badly burned, but none the less, burned. The child will usually learn his lesson from the pain received.
As adults in real life situations, we are often no different than the child who was burned on the hot stove. We plunge forward acting on our own emotions, and thought process and trust in our strength. Then we fall flat on our face! Our plans fail or at least don’t turn out the way we planned. We become angry and disillusioned and ask God, “Why? Why did I fail? Was my plan not worthy?”
We get in a hurry, wanting to get things done, worked out, moving along at our speed, and from our perspective! Because of these human traits, we forget to even ask God’s advice. We need to recognize the value of Divine direction before we begin. And then we need to listen! As mentioned we all make plans, work out the details and go into action, and sometimes we go before consulting the One who knows best! We might even think he may not be interested in something so small as a decision we have to make!
Certainly, God can use our mistakes and often does. He teaches us lessons and then uses what we have done for his good, even though we may not recognize it. Had we knelt before an all knowing Father before we embarked on our journey we would be better prepared for whatever boulders or struggles jump up to greet us on our path!
I encourage you to search God’s heart and make sure yours aligns with His, as you make decisions in your life, both large and small. He cares about everything we are doing! Let’s make him the Master of our plans, and embark on a journey following God's arrow!
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