The surrendered bow,
A tool in the musician’s right hand to make music.
The bow has no choice of direction; it simply follows the guided hand. The hairs are stretched tight, uncomfortable, yet when pulled just so it produces music that inspires people and brings holy tears.
Music that moves individuals closer to God, the Maker of Life itself.
What if you and I could have the same power as a violin in a crowded world? What if our quiet surrenders could call people to JESUS?
What if you and I could motivate people, encourage others to seek fully after God? What if our quiet surrender was what allowed others to see Him, hear Him, in the dark? What if our lives were the beautiful song, the testimony of His grace in the middle of brokenness?
“There are many are the plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel that will stand.” Prov. 19:21 (NJKV)
In many ways, this is how God is with me.
I complain and tell the Lord how I believe the song of my life should be written. This thing should happen here, and then this will happen, so the song of my life should sound like so. I must let God lead me in His own personal song for me, a song of surrender, a release of control. I must release how I want my life to look and not expect my music to sound like anyone else’s. God’s plan for each of us is uniquely structured so He can receive the most glory, even through our broken hearts.
The painful hours of being lifted and played God’s way is necessary in life, for growth. My pulling and pushing away from God, from growing His way, only makes things harder, less harmonious. My stubborn spirit only makes the process of surrender longer. This struggle hinders intimacy with my Creator and stunts my growth.
Why would I argue with the Maker of life itself? The bow does not have a mind of its own. It can make no music unless a hand holds it, and guides it, carefully purring the right strings, at the right time, to the music written before the musician. The music is not random, but carefully chosen. When God pulls me in certain directions, I wonder why? How? This makes no sense! I can’t see what You’re doing God! Can’t you tell me? Change the music! Change the key, make it lower, higher! Make the pain go away! Make me beautiful and holy without suffering!
On and on my demands go….
No one chooses difficulty. But that is what makes us stronger, makes us understand God’s love, and know His presence in ways that would’ve been foggy before. Some of the notes will make no sense until the song of my life is finished, and the LORD lifts the bow. Finished, His way, His timing.
Then it all will make sense, every struggle. I will see the notes on the side of eternity and every heartache, tear, and unanswered question will make sense. I will wish that I had surrendered sooner, given more, and complained less.
I want to rest in Him and allow Him to lead, allowing Him to conduct my life, one measure at a time.
Until the end of my piece, the end of my life.
When the bow is finally raised, may the applause be for JESUS, my KING.
“For My thoughts, are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)
photos taken by Anna. ❤
Thank you to my lovely editor C.A. M. ❤
Thorns amidst the Roses 