In Isaiah 49:2 we read an interesting phrase. “And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me.” God had a plan and purpose for Isaiah’s life even before he was born. In verse 1 it says “…The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.”

Isaiah was very special to the Lord and he had a specific job for him to do. God specifically formed Isaiah’s mouth and made his tongue a like a sharp sword to proclaim God’s word to a rebellious and disobedient people. It says in verse 2 that “he made me (Isaiah) a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me.” I find that phrase very interesting. Isaiah was a special, chosen arrow in the Lord’s quiver that he really wanted to use. Many archers had their favorite arrows that they spend a lot of time perfecting. That was their special arrow that they worked hard on to make sure it flew straight and always hit the target. Isaiah was that to the Lord. Arrows fly faster and are more likely to hit the target the smoother their shafts are. Rust, splinters and any other rough surfaces slows the arrow down and throws it off balance. The Lord spent a lot of time polishing and perfecting his special arrow, Isaiah to make him exactly what He wanted him to be. It mentions that He had him I his quiver. God had a special spot for Isaiah in his quiver because he set him aside for special use.

            Just as God has a specific plan and purpose for Isaiah, God has a special plan and purpose for you. God is at work in your life right now polishing your shaft. He is busy making you a polished shaft and has a special place in His quiver for you. You are precious to Him and he wants to use you greatly. He is ready to shoot you and be glorified when you fulfill His purposes for your life. Are you allowing God to polish you and refine you into what He wants you to be? Are you fulfilling His purpose for you in life? God really loves you and wants to use you. I challenge you to let Him polish your shaft. Yeah it may hurt a little and be uncomfortable but in the end it will be exactly what you need. Sometimes to smooth the shaft there had to be some friction applied to it. Often God allows friction to come into our life to perfect us and polish us. But if we allow God to do His work then He will be able to shoot you and you will hit the target and He will be glorified. Are you a polished shaft in the quiver of our Lord?