The Archer

As I get older, the more I feel that my time of direct influence in my children's lives has been too brief. On the one hand, I understand that God has provided enough time to do the job that He intended for me. After all, Jesus finished the work that His Father had given Him to do (John 17:4). But on the other hand, I realize that my efforts have often fallen short of the mark.

The analogy from Psalm 127:4 that children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior may help explain my dilemma. My last "arrow" is now in the bow which been drawn back to almost its fullest extent. The moment of release is nigh at hand, and it seems little more can be done in the short time remaining.

What will happen when troubles and temptations arise? Can he avoid the failures and mistakes that I fell into? Will he strive to achieve God's best? So go the anxious questions.

In the final analysis, I must look to God. If He's the One who guides the thunderbolt and compels both wind and wave to obey, surely He can keep an arrow -- even an arrow entrusted to me -- on course. And with that in mind, I must pray with hope ... and so should you.

THE ARCHER

The archer holds with tender care
A golden arrow he's prepared.
With heart at rest and mind at peace,
He draws the bow for its release.

He's labored for a worthy shaft
And trimmed it truly fore and aft,
For proper balance is required
If it's to fly as he desires.

But once he spies the distant goal,
It's then that fears invade his soul.
For there will only be one flight,
No second chance to make it right.

He's done his job but yet does know
That problems come when crosswinds blow,
Exerting pressures, even slight,
And causing errors in the flight.

And thus it is he prays with hope
To Him who's in the thunderbolt:
"Command the winds Thy will to hark
And guide this child to hit the mark."

Copyright 1999 James McAlister


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