Today's Devotional
USING THE WHOLE BOW
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Isaiah 54:1-5 (NRSV)
Sing, O barren one who did not bear;
burst into song and shout,
you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
than the children of her that is married, says the LORD.
Enlarge the site of your tent,
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess the nations
and will settle the desolate towns.
Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
do not be discouraged,for you will not suffer disgrace;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your Maker is your husband,
the LORD of hosts is his name;
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
the God of the whole earth he is called.
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Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back.
- Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)
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AS a beginning violinist, I timidly used only a few inches of my bow. My teacher repeatedly admonished, "Use the whole bow!" When I learned to do that, drawing the bow confidently from the bottom to its tip, the sound changed from a weak scratch to a strong tone. As I have become a better player, I have learned how important using the full bow is for both orchestra and solo work. Beautiful music can result when an instrument is played with confidence.
I've thought about how using the whole bow relates to serving God. When I went to church but did not take part in its ministries, I didn't know much spiritually. Then I started teaching children in Sunday school. Though teaching stretched my skills, God helped me. Years later, meditating on Isaiah 54:2 encouraged me to take a big step: to move away from home and to work at a mission headquarters for two years. That prepared me for bigger challenges in serving God, challenges I'm glad I met.
As I continue in my Christian walk, God still reminds me to "use the whole bow." With God as my helper, I can serve with confidence.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to serve you with enthusiasm and boldness. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When we use all God has given us, the world can be filled with the music of God's love.
-- Jeanne Zornes (Washington, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: Musicians
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