Oswald Chambers wrote: “Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says–‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, and then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God’s hands. Maintain your relationship with Jesus Christ with the patience of faith. “Though He slays me, yet will I trust in Him.” (Job 13:15)
Arrows: In ancient times arrows were important in warfare. Children are compared with arrows in the hands of parents. (Psalms 127:4) Arrows are designed meticulously so that they are straight, with sharp tips to pierce the victim or target. A bent or crooked arrow will not hit the target. God’s people are like arrows in His hands. God first straightens and sharpens a saint to be used optimally. The process of straightening the character of a saint is sometimes long. The rough ages have to be shopped off. The arrowhead should be sharp, blunt arrows could reach the target but have no impact. The vision of a servant of God should be sharp, not blurred. God patiently, works on disciples to straighten, sharpen, and then polish to be used by Him.
Bow: An arrow is placed rightly on a bow that is stretched optimally. Then the arrow would be allowed to fly. Only a mighty warrior could place the arrow in the bow, provide the direction, and power it to fly hitting the target. God prepares the bow of context, in which a saint is placed. The saint would be stretched or squeezed to fit in so that God could fulfill His purpose.
Pain: The saint who is used by God will endure pain, suffering, rejection, loneliness, and a sense of abandonment. Yet, being in the Master’s Hand means preparation for God’s strategic, noble, and good purpose.
Do I patiently submit for the Lord to use me?