' WE ARE HIDDEN IN HIS QUIVER '

God is so very good in so many ways. As I mentioned in my last post - God always sends someone to 'give you a word in season' when He is guiding you towards your destiny. Below I want to share with you something that God put on my heart to write about. I also gathered some facts from another writer by the name of Paulette Reed. So you will be reading a combination of our writings and thoughts. Enjoy!!

God's Voice

Don't you love the way Jesus speaks to us in thousands of different ways? Truly, He is omnipresent! He is in a cloud the size of a man's hand, and in the face of child. He is in the noisy marketplace, and He is the still small voice amidst an earthquake.

God's Counsel

Recently, the Holy Spirit kept whispering counsel, "Stay hidden in the quiver." We must stand in awe as we search out God's word, as His life-giving treasure flows into jars of clay. Isn't it amazing that whatever we pour ourselves into pours into us and then out to others? Beloved, whatever we worship becomes a part of us.

The Word says, "He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver" (Isaiah 49:2).

A quiver, of course, is "a case or sheath for carrying arrows," a part of the ordinary equipment of the warrior, both foot soldier and charioteer (Job 39:23; Isaiah 22:6), and of the huntsman (Genesis 27:3). We also find passages where children (Psalms 127:5), or prophets of Yahweh (Isaiah 49:2), are spoken of as arrows. Arrows are called, "sons of the quiver" (Lamentations 3:13).

God's Warriors

Friends, as warriors for our Commander in Chief, arrows of the Lord, we must learn to "stay hidden in the quiver," only to be released directly at a bull's-eye when God's mighty right hand sends us. It seems I keep hearing people say, "God has had me hidden for a long time." It's as if we're waiting for God to rip off a cover and say, "Ta da, here she is, or here he is!"

Truly, I do understand what they're saying, but just think what would really happen if God removed His covering. Yes, he does call and then commission. But, He may only "send us out" for an hour to share about Jesus on the street, or forty-five minutes to be a peacemaker, or three days to attend a conference. After all, it really doesn't take very long for an arrow to accomplish its purpose.

God's Weapons

The sheath is the rendering of the Hebrew "teli," which means "a suspended weapon," literally "that which hangs from one," i.e. is suspended from the shoulder or waist. Kind of sounds like a branch hanging from the vine doesn't it? What an honorable position, a suspended weapon hanging from the pierced side of Christ, released only by His Spirit.

God's Timing

Sometimes I watch people send themselves, aggressively pushing open doors. Inside I feel sadness for them, having witnessed this before. In my heart, I know the doors they pushed open will only remain so temporarily, and then God will have to close them. Sometimes He must protect us from ourselves. His timing is perfect; He must have all things in Divine alignment before sending His "arrows." Granted, it takes years for God to work His patience within us, but oh, dear friends, what a wonderful Divine exchange takes place through those years. James sums it up so well. "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:3, 4).

Sometimes I watch people send themselves, aggressively pushing open doors. Inside I feel sadness for them, having witnessed this before. In my heart, I know the doors they pushed open will only remain so temporarily, and then God will have to close them. Sometimes He must protect us from ourselves.

God's Motivation

When "arrows" are sent by the hand of God, we can rest assured that He is our reward (Isaiah 52:12 KJV). He uses the dead enemies of our past as ammunition to catapult us, shooting life into the body of Christ.

Once we learn not to make the same mistakes again, and again, God releases us more frequently into a season of soaring. He also promises to be our vanguard. How marvelous is that? He's not only the power behind His arrows; He is also the dunamis going before us.

Friends, don't grow weary for, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31). Listen, the longer you wait the stronger you get!

God's Mysteries

In conclusion, there are two kingdom mysteries revealed here by the Holy Spirit. First, we aren't finished waiting until we no longer strive to wait, but simply abide by Jesus' side. We must be as the Lord, un-hasting and un-resting.

He is always at work in our lives although sometimes it is so subtle we do not perceive it. We must always be prepared, in and out of season. Even when we can't see the whole target, we know, by faith, each arrow is making a difference, perhaps preparing the way for someone else, or piercing the darkness.

God's Purposes

Second, we won't come out of hiding until it no longer matters to us if we do. We must realize it's crucial to always remain hidden in the quiver, in Christ, for a lifetime. Our Heavenly Father hides those He loves and if arrows don't stay hidden/protected, they can become damaged, beaten up, dull and incapable of hitting the bull's-eye.

[God] made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver" (Isaiah 49:2).

Lord Jesus, as the battle intensifies I submit myself to Your mighty hand today. May I be a swift arrow of light to the world as the darkness increases. I thank you that I lack nothing as you release me, only in accordance with your Divine timing.

May I be sharp and accurate, even in what may seem like your small assignments. I pray that each flight be filled with love as not to be blunt or useless. Help me remember that grandiose targets are no good if they are not accomplished, if they are not Your will.

Teach me to take pleasure in staying hidden in Your quiver all the days of my life, so that You, My King, may be glorified. Help me to not fight my own battles but only the ones you send me into - for the 'victory' is yours!

Carol Doswell - Ministryofmentoring@kc.rr.com