Sharpen your arrows – 10 February 2023

He sits in the dark and watches you. He sharpens his arrows to ensure that it will hurt and destroy when fired. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing who attacks strategically. His arrows have names. Offence, bitterness, gossip, unforgiving, anger, fear, rejection, aggression, pride, addiction, lust. The purpose is to rob us of our joy and peace. He wants to make us fearful. Why? Because it makes us powerless.

In Luke 10:19 we read that Jesus Christ obtained the victory and he gives us the authority to do the same: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” In 1 Corinthians 15:57, we read: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And then in James 4:7 we find a valuable way to do this: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Scripture verses: NIV)

When last did we sharpen our own arrows by reading the Word of God and memorising his promises? That is our sword and our ammunition to fight back. When was the last time we took up the shield of faith to resist the arrows of the enemy? Do we regularly pray for a wall of fire of protection around us and our loved ones? And how often do we use communion as proof that we believe that Jesus Christ died for us?

Today, arrows may be fired in our direction. Let’s recognise it and use the shield of faith to prevent it to reach our hearts. Let us protect our joy and peace so that we can live free and fearless. And let us remember that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within us and strengthens us when we are weak. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to die on our behalf. Please help me to understand my authority in you while recognising the arrows fired in my direction. Help me to protect my peace and joy. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen