Sometimes I’m fortunate to read a book that ignites my faith and encourages me to continue to pursue God’s will in my life. I’m encouraged to use every arrow and end with an empty quiver.
Erwin McManus uses the Old Testament story of Elisha and King Jehoash. He uses this story to show that we should keep going and not stop in life until God says stop. It seems simple and straightforward. Yet, I know I pull back when life gets hard. I’m reluctant when God is challenging me to move forward and do more. Here are a few quotes that are challenging me.
“I do not believe anyone is born average, but I do believe that many of us choose to live a life of mediocrity.” “It requires that we defy the odds. You have no control of whether you have been endowed with above average talent or intelligence or physical attributes. What you can control is whether you choose to I’ve your life defined and determined by the status quo. Even when the law of averages works against you, you can still defy the odds.”
“We need to raise the bar of our standards of our faith, of our sacrifice, of our expectations of ourselves, of our belief of the goodness and generosity of God.”
I have no trouble believing in God’s goodness and generosity for others, but often am left questioning “Why me?” Why would God be good and generous to me? But, it’s believing in exactly that, that allows me to have an empty quiver. Holding this scripture close remind me that God will go to great lengths for His children including me.
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, “He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.” This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. (2 Corinthians 9:8-11 MSG).
The Last Arrow is a great read for encouragement and renewed passion for what God is calling us to. I was given a renewed excitement to live into what God has charged me with knowing that His generosity is extravagant and will give me what I need to accomplish His goals. I will use every arrow I’m given and end with an empty quiver.
How do you live into God’s generosity? How does He encourage you to live into all He calls you to? Share your experience here and breathe live and bring hope to others.