Paulette Reed: "STAY HIDDEN IN THE QUIVER--BECOMING A POLISHED ARROW TO HIT THE TARGET"

January 19, 2007

Paulette Reed: "STAY HIDDEN IN THE QUIVER--BECOMING A POLISHED ARROW TO HIT THE TARGET"

"He uses the dead enemies of our past as ammunition to catapult us, shooting life into the Body of Christ."

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

Recently, the Holy Spirit kept whispering the counsel, "Stay hidden in the quiver." The Word says, "He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver" (Isaiah 49:2).

God's Weapons and Warriors

A quiver 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 (Psalm 127:5), or prophets of Yahweh (Isaiah 49:2), are spoken of as arrows. Arrows are called, "sons of the quiver" (Lamentations 3:13).

The sheath is the rendering of the Hebrew teli, which means "a suspended weapon; that which hangs from one; is suspended from the shoulder or waist." This 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.

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; 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.

As warriors for our Commander in Chief, and 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.

God's Timing and Motivation

"He's not only the power behind His arrows, He is also the Dunamis going before us."

Sometimes I watch people push open doors, aggressively sending themselves into situations. In my heart, I know the doors they pushed open will only remain temporarily so, 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 these years. James sums it up 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).

When arrows are sent by the hand of God, we can rest assured that He is our reward (Isaiah 52:12). 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 and Purpose

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--non-hasting and unresting. He is always at work in our lives, although sometimes it is so subtle, that 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, that each arrow is making a difference, perhaps preparing the way for someone else, or piercing the darkness.

Second, we won't come out of hiding until it no longer matters to us if we do. We must realize that 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 and 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).

Let's Pray:

"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."
 

Paulette Reed
Daughters of the Morning Ministries
www.dotmm.org
Email: info@dotmm.org
 

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Paulette Reed's Upcoming Itinerary:

February 11, 2007
Faith Wesleyan Church
211 Walnut St.; Cedar Falls, IA
Contact: 319-266-0602
 

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