1-26-20 The Launch of an Arrow

Quote: “An arrow can only be released by first pulling it back.  When life pulls you back, it simply means you’re launching into something amazing.”

The feeling of life being out of control has got to be one of the most helpless feelings.  Anyone with me?  Lots of us are in jobs where we are “fixers”.  My sister is a nurse practioner.  A patient has a health condition or symptom? She assesses the medical situation, consults with others in her field, and attempts to fix the situation.  I’m a teacher.  I’m having a hard time making a personal connection with a child?  I take note of what their interests and likes are, talk to their parents or other teachers, and find a different way to connect with them.

When we can’t “fix” the outcome and it becomes clear it is out of our hands, it can be a pretty crippling feeling.

But what if…

What if the problem we are facing or the situation we find ourselves in is actually happening for a reason?  What if it is an opportunity for growth to become an even better human being?  Or better yet, what if there is purpose in our uncomfortableness to help someone else?  What if we are all arrows and at different points in our lives, are getting ready to launch into something that completely changes our life trajectory?  Talk about amazing!

I love the image of an arrow.  The few times I’ve held a bow, I know the more I pull back, my hands will start to quiver a little and I will have to force myself to focus even more on the target.  There’s that moment right before the release that I’m a wee bit scared.  I know the chances of it not going dead center are great…but then zoom, off the arrow goes.

I remember a few years God gave me the word “launch”.  I journaled it and then pretended I hadn’t really heard it.  I didn’t feel peace.  I felt legit frightened.  I know it was because that meant my future was out of my control.  That something big was coming and I had no idea what it was.  The word “launch” implies something new is about to happen and many things are going to be unknown.  Eeek!!  In Jeremiah 29:11, it says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  I knew this verse by heart.  And I knew the choice was simple: wrestle the bow out of His hands or let Him take control.

My advice: let Him just take over the flippin’ bow!!  Let Him teach you things in the season of being pulled back.  Pray for clarity, patience, and peace.  And then let the launch happen in His timing.

Enjoy the season of pull back and then let that arrow fly!